The Fabu-list August 2016

 

What are you coveting this month?

Summer is nearing it's end, and although every year I hang on for as long as possible, it's time to start thinking about the transition into fall.

I've made this list a fabu-list instead of a coveted list, because I do own some of the items. But I do have a major covet going on the others...

Clockwise from top left:

Miansai Screw Cuff Bracelet in gold. I love that this bracelet is sleek and chic, and stands out as being different. You can wear it in a stack of bracelets, or in complete simplicity on it's own.

Reves de Sabine bath and body oils. I have both of these and absolutely love them. Your skin feels amazing with these beautiful oils, and I'm convinced that they are extending my tan from Italy this past June. They feel luxurious but come at a very friendly price point. Read about Reves de Sabine here.

Prada Tote  Isn't this just the perfect tote for fall? It's very roomy, the color is gorgeous, and it has a very Olivia Pope feel to it. I so want this bag!

Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips in Kim K.W. is the perfect pinky nude for the entire year, not just fall. Inspired by  Kim Kardashian West's signature nude lip it has already become a best seller, and no doubt will stay one. It's just perfect.

The Michael Kors block heeled Marina slingback sandal is about as perfect as it gets. Killer with a pair of jeans this shoe elongates your leg with a little black dress, works with skirts, pants - basically every single thing in your closet. Love.

Paris In Love by Eloisa James. I'm always in love with Paris, so I grabbed this book as soon as I saw it! Eloisa up and moved her family to Paris for a year. I dream about doing that myself, and I love reading anything set in the city of light, so this book was a win before I even opened the cover.

And it's a perfect read to close out the summer.

Chanel Illusion d'Ombre eye shadow in Rouge Brule. You absolutely cannot beat red and gold eye shadow. It may sound intimidating at first, but it is absolute magic! Want to really spark your eye color and draw attention to your eye without overwhelming it with makeup? A subtle swipe of red gold on your lid is your absolute best friend. This eye shadow is everything!

The Na Kd off the shoulder knot blouse in white is super chic! The sleeves are gorgeous, the knot detail is so stylish, and the back of the blouse has a little something extra to cover your booty.

This blouse is lovely with a skirt, killer with a pair of jeans and a tan block heeled sandal, great with a pair of pants. It's fabulous.

Chanel nail gloss in Rouge Radical. I love the concept of a red see-through gloss instead of a full red nail polish! It's so fresh and modern.

The Nude Sandal - Spring And Summer's Perfect Shoe

Back when I first moved to Los Angeles, hanging out in her dressing room at CBS one day, Vanna White gave me one of the most important fashion pointers ever.
She told me to always buy nude heels - sandals and pumps, because a nude high heeled shoe will always elongate and slim the leg.

I've never forgotten it. To this day when I'm buying nude heels I always think of her. And right now I'm in the market for the perfect nude heel for spring, because a nude heel goes with everything.
Dress up jeans and a t-shirt, take the vamp out of a black dress, feel chic with a sundress, give more leg to your jeans shorts - there are endless fabulous ways to wear nude sandals.

I don't have time to go to the store, so I've been cruising Nordstrom.com looking for the perfect nude sandals for spring.

Choose from 80+ FREE Gifts with Beauty Purchase, from La Mer, Lancôme, Kiehl's, Bobbi Brown & more, at Nordstrom while supplies last! FREE Shipping. FREE Returns.





Steve Madden Lavii Platform $99.95

Frye Sara Harness Strap Sandal $277.95

Greet Spring with New Arrivals in Women's Shoes—now at Nordstrom. FREE Shipping. FREE Returns.

Jimmy Choo Holly Sandal $925.00

Stuart Weitzman Elixir Sandal $455

Jessica Simpson Barrow Sandal $89.00

Prada Strappy Wedge Sandal $790

7 Shoe Rules Every Girl Should Know

I'm a shoe fiend.
I love shoes more than any girl should, and I've amassed quite the collection over the years!
So my shoe-fetish radar went off when I saw this article on one of my favorite blogs, Career Girl Daily.
Now I want silver shoes...

Not one word of it is mine ~ it was written by Celina from CDG

Image via Vivaluxury

We’ve got all the secrets and insider tips you need to know to finally score that perfect pump at the perfect price!  Here are the rules on which pairs to wear and how to wear them with style.

1

A heel can be too high

Don’t copy what you see on the catwalk. There is nothing less attractive than a girl who can’t walk in her heels. As a matter of fact, 120mm/5 inch heels are bad for you and can actually cause injury!

Loeffler Randall silver flats available at Nordstrom

2

Shop for shoes at the end of the day

You really should only be shopping for shoes at the end of the day when your feet are swollen. That’s a good way to get a size that fits you well.

3

Invest in your shoes

You don’t have to wear designer shoes, but always make sure you have great shoes and a great bag, as that’s all you need. Bad shoes will ruin your feet so you’d better invest in them.

Jimmy Choo Mayje in silver, available at Nordstrom

4

Try on three sizes before you buy

Better be safe than sorry, right? Different brands have different sizes. So try the size you normally wear and try one size bigger and one size smaller to make sure you pick the right size.

5

Comfort is more important than looks

No matter how pretty they are. If you can’t walk in them don’t buy them.

6

Choose one attention grabber

If you wear a basic outfit a stand out pair of shoes will lift your outfit. But if you wear an over the top dress keep it simple with a basic pair of heels.

Prada Oxford in silver, available at Nordstrom

7

Choose the right balance

When you’re wearing a heavily layered look try a thicker heeled shoe to keep things in balance. And the other way around when you’re wearing a flowy skirt a thin strapped sandal could be more appropriate.

Tory Burch "Miller" in silver, available at Nordstrom

Find more articles like this at Career Girl Daily

13 Things You Should Do At The Start Of Each Year

I'm a huge believer in working to a plan.
When I look back across my life to the times when things have been going really, really well, when I have been achieving big career success and life is just fantastic, to a fault each of these spells was during a time that I was working a plan, had goals written out, knew what I wanted next. It's like having a road map in hand and if you just follow the map you get to where you want to be.
Conversely the times when nothing much is going on, when I feel like I'm floundering around, trying to find my way, are always the times when I don't have a plan written out.
So as we kick off this brand new year here is a list of things that you should do every year

image source: Rebloggy.com

1. Make A List Of The Bad Things

Sounds counter productive right? But trust me, it isn't.
Look back at the year that just ended and make a list of the things that stressed you halfway out of your mind, the things that made you nervous, the things that scared or overwhelmed you. Then write down how you won the battle, what the outcome was, how you feel about it now.
We don't always realize at the front end just how incredibly strong, resilient and fierce we really are. Looking back you'll find things that terrified you are no longer scary, things you stressed over weren't worth the energy, and you will see that you have some major coping skills you never even knew you had!
It puts the new year into perspective and gives you a little ammunition to face the inevitable bumps in the road with.

2. Stop Holding Onto Heartache

One of the most destructive things we do is to keep holding onto the relationships that failed. If your heart got broken last year, or if you were let down terribly by someone (it happens to everyone at some point in life), write yourself a letter either forgiving that person, or committing yourself to just letting it go. 
When you hold on to it, relive it, think about it, stay angry or hurt, the only person who suffers is you. That type of thinking is toxic and permeates into the rest of your life. Let it go and move on. If that person comes into your thoughts just send them love and light and close the door on it.
Once you have some distance from the relationship or the issue you will look back and see that holding onto it was a total waste of time anyway.
And if it still really hurts remember ~ This too shall pass ~

3. Set Goals

Whatever it is you want in life, write it down as a goal.
Make financial goals both for the short term and the long term.
Set career goals, relationship goals, travel goals, goals for your home, your car - you name it. The key to success and to achieving the things you want in life is to identify them, get specific, ad then start figuring out a plan to make them happen.
Not sure how to do it? Check out this post on How To Set Goals

4. Make A Budget

The key not just to financial security, but to just making it to the end of the month or the end of the year, is to make a budget that accounts for every dollar you earn and where it is going.
Want to travel? Buy a new car? Put in a swimming pool? Whatever it is that you want, add it to your budget and watch how quickly you can make it happen! 
Not sure how to create a budget? Read this post on How To Make A Budget.

5. Clear The Clutter.

Go through your home and your work-space and clear out all the clutter. You will be amazed at how clearly you can think, how much more relaxed you become when all the clutter is cleared away. According to the art of Feng Shui clutter has a negative effect on us emotionally, physically and mentally.
Read about the absolute magic in simplifying, organizing and clearing your space in Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo's  world famous book:

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

6. Clean Out Your Closet.

This ties in with number 5, but is also important on its own.
You will no doubt find great pieces you forgot you had, and in the process can streamline your wardrobe.
You already know what needs to go. Donate and consign everything you need to part with.

7. Clean Out Your Makeup Drawer.

image via www.avantderm.com

Take everything out, clean it, and decide what is still good and what needs to be trashed.
Not sure if your makeup has gone bad? Check out this post:
How To Tell If Your Makeup Has Gone Bad

8. Buy New Underwear.

Go through your lingerie drawer and toss anything that's no longer in tip top shape. Any undies that have bad elastic, saggy bottoms, frayed edges, have faded color, don't fit quite right, especially your every day items - get rid of them. I think it's a great idea to start the year with fresh, new, everyday underwear.
Try the beautiful Natori Bliss Bloom Thong

Natori's beautiful Bliss Bloom Thong is the perfect addition to your New Year Undies Collection 

9. Get Fitted For A Bra

At least once every year you should get refitted for a bra.
Sometimes you will find nothing has changed, other times, especially after weight loss or weight gain, changes in hormones, changes in exercise routines, you will find things really have changed.
Unless you want boobies that are saggy and limp and hang down to your belly button, you need to stay on top of how your bras fit.
(I can't stress this enough for full breasted / heavy breasted girls - we are fighting gravity more than all the other girls!)

10. Re -Evaluate Your Skincare Products

Its so easy to just stick with what you've been using for ages, and not realize that its no longer working any magic on your skin.
Your skin's needs changes with the climate, with your age, with your changing hormones. If you want luminous, glowing, healthy skin you need to change up the products you're using to meet your skin's needs.
I'm in love with Korean skin care and the way the Korean women with their world famous, exquisite skin, layer their products. You can read about it here: West Face East ~ How To Layer Your Skin Care Korean-Style
I buy all my Korean skin care products online through Memebox
, one of the world's largest skin care stores.

11. Rearrange Your Space

image via Adorable-Home.com

Changing the layout of the rooms you spend the most time in changes how you perceive that space. Sometimes it's all you need to feel refreshed and invigorated and inspired.
And if you don't like it, you can always change it back.
I just love white, Scandinavian style bedrooms.

12. Book A Trip.

You need to at least plan some travel for the year ahead. 
Maybe it's a big overseas trip, maybe it's a long weekend. Plan a beach vacation, a mountain retreat, or an escape to a new city. Whatever fits your style, just get it on the calendar. 
If you don't plan it out at the beginning of the year, chances are another year will roll by and you will have gone nowhere.

I book my travel both domestic and international, using Booking.com

13. Buy A Really Great Pair Of Shoes

Sometimes this means forecasting it to the season where you really need them, but try buying a pair of really good quality, timeless, walk-around-all-day-and-still-feel-great shoes. Shoes that go with everything, that look chic, and make you feel fabulous.
They will set you back a little (or a lot) more, but a really good shoe is a great investment in yourself.

Prada Wingtip Oxford Loafer

I bought myself this Prada Wingtip Platform Loafer
 (in black though) for my birthday. I will wear them forever. You can find them at Nordstrom

Coveted List October 2015

What are you coveting right now? I always of have lists of things I want. Here are some of the goodies I'm lusting after now that fall is here. Most of them are available at my favorite store, Nordstrom, or on their website, which I have been scrolling around on all day!

Hermes Collier de Chien Silver Bracelet $4300

Prada Platform Sport Oxfords $970. I want them in black but I've also seen them in pink. (I want the pink ones too!) Available at Nordstrom

Lisa Eldridge Face Paint. I can't get enough coffee table books, and clearly I have a mad love of makeup!

Michael Kors Bradshaw Oversized Chronograph Watch in steel blue makes a nice alternative to black. I love his oversized, chunky watches. Available at Nordstrom

Lagos Stacking Rings $200 available at Nordstrom

Temptu Color True Lipstick in Jet Rouge. This season oxblood lips are huge. This isn't necessarily oxblood, but it has that amazing depth and resonance, paired with the magnificent saturated color pay-off that comes with the Temptu Color True lipsticks. Wear it with a sculpted brow, glowy cheek and tons of mascara.

 Chloe medium Gala Calfskin Bucket Bag in Sienna Red $2150 available at Nordstrom. Chloe bags are timeless. I love this sienna red, and the bucket bag shape is super versatile.

Crate And Barrel Camille Wine Glasses, so that I can channel my girl-crush Olivia Pope. 

Caravaggio, A Life Sacred And Profane, by one of my absolute favorite art historians, Andrew Graham-Dixon. 

Diptyque Candle in Figuier ~ I love the woodsy fig perfume for fall, and there is always something a little luxe about Diptyque candles. Stock up on all the different flavors at Nordstrom - they're great for your home and they make fabulous gifts too!

The Coveted List August ~

I'm getting ready for a month of international travel that includes a couple of 36 hour + travel days involving multiple flights and trains.
The tricky thing about super long travel days, especially the ones that involve more than one international flight, is finding a way to be comfortable and still look good, even when you are stepping off a 10 hour flight 24 hours after leaving home.
So I am shopping the wardrobe that makes it all work.
Or at least coveting it...

I love traveling with a chic backpack instead of a handbag. Backpacks are much easier to maneuver around with. You can fit whatever you need in there, and get perfect weight balance across both shoulders rather than dragging weight on one shoulder.
And they look stylish! 

Check out this Tory Burch Amanda Backpack  at Nordstrom.

The Nic And Zoe Feel Good Pant travels well and is super comfortable - even when you are trapped in an uncomfortable airplane seat. 

The great thing about this pair of pants is that they don't look trashed when you get off the plane, instead the fabric moves as you do, and looks fresh when you change into sandals and a clean T.

The Splendid V Neck High/Low Sweater from Nordstrom is a fine knit cashmere blend that wards off airplane chill while looking good.

Wrap up in the Alexander McQueen Reversible Hibiscus and Skull Scarf  to keep your neck and chest warm in flight, or pair it with a white tank or T when you land.

Prada's Leather Espadrille combines comfort and ease with a little panache. You can run through airport terminals in them, and you can walk all over Rome in them, as comfortable as can be, and they never look anything but chic. The leather uppers breathe well and hold their shape.

Tory Burch Miller Sandals are a great alternative to slip on when you land. They look perfect with the Nic and Zoe pants.

Cartier Love Bracelet in pink gold and Cartier Love rings in pink gold. Because I love Cartier. And I love love.

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist is fabulous for everyday use, but is also a life saving revitalizing facial mist to keep your skin hydrated and glowing during your flight. When you are away from home and your skin starts freaking out, this dewy skin mist is the ultimate travel hack skin saver - it's soothing and calming and relaxes your skin back into happy mode.

Tatcha Brightening Serum is the holy grail of serums. 

It heals and soothes, hydrates and deep treats any skin type. You can use it alone as a light but super effective moisturizer on extra hot or humid days, or on long flights, or layer it with your moisturizer on normal days. It makes your skin glow as if lit from within. Wear it just one time and you will never want to go without it again.

Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Luxembourg. The satiny finish on these lip pencils make your lips look lush and hydrated after a long flight. Most people look washed out and drained when they deplane. A little pop of color on your lip makes you look rejuvenated and refreshed.

Coveted, March 2015

I'm always planning another international trip, and as such am always looking for perfect travel items.

This month's coveted list make up the perfect travel pieces. They are gorgeous, modern, and some of them are timeless...

The Coveted List March 2015

Clockwise from left:

Rag and Bone Classic Tee. Perfect to travel in, chic with white pants, maybe the most perfect tee I have ever found. 

Available at Nordstrom.com

Chantecaille Rose De Mai Face Oil. I'm obsessed with face oils, and this one is sensational. Super hydrating and nourishing it leaves a luxurious texture to the skin. Rich in vitamin C it is also anti aging and has healing properties. Available at Nordstrom.

Ellis Faas Hot Lips. I always travel with Ellis Faas products. Their unique bullet packaging is ideal for your handbag or your travel bag, and the products themselves are amazing pro makeup artist quality. Hot Lips are super pigmented, so a little goes a long way. They are non greasy, long wearing, and don't dry out your lips. I adore fuchsia lips so am coveting their L403 Bright Fuchsia shade.

Dolce and Gabbana Sunglasses. I've been wearing aviators the past couple of years and want to change it up. I love these animal print glasses, and also their floral sunglasses. 

Prada Backpack. I am a Prada girl through and through. I normally shop at the Prada outlet in Montevarchi where prices are 75% off, just as the items are arriving in the stores here. It's brilliant! This Prada soft calf leather backpack is a timeless piece that is perfect to travel with and will also look chic running around town. I would love it paired with the Rag and Bone Classic Tee, a pair of white linen pants and a nude wedge or platform shoe. In a perfect world that would be my spring/summer uniform this year :))

What Anchors You?

What anchors you?
What keeps you looking forward?
What keeps you moving in the direction of your dreams?

For me it can be something as big as the next international trip, or as small as the new boots or handbag that I am currently coveting. 
It can be as big as the home that you own, or as weightless as the feeling of being completely unencumbered and free to go do anything that you choose.
It's your anchor - you define it.

These Prada Skate Loafers will keep me anchored this fall. I bought them in Italy a couple of weeks ago and they are my absolute favorite new thing.

Abbie Heath Is Charming In L'Officiel Singapore

This is so delicious!

Abbie Heath covers L'Officiel Singapore February 2013

Abbie Heath gets a dose of 60' inspired charm

in this gorgeous editorial for 

the February 2013 issue of L'Officiel Singapore.

Lensed by ChuanDo and Frey

and styled by Jumius Wong

in a romantic candy confection look

at the best of the new season,

Abbie makes the clothes look like the height of modernity

and get gives it a Mary Quant feel.