J.Crew Factory SoCal Blogger Meetup

This weekend was the J.Crew Factory SoCal Blogger Meetup hosted by Meg of henning love and me. A BIG thank you to everyone who came out. It was great meeting new blogger friends, hanging out with old pals, and shopping!

We scored 60% everything bought so I took full advantage...more advantage than my checking account approved up...but it was 60% OFF! There are so many cute things right now. I bought a pair of ballet flats, two tops, a cardigan, scarf, and earrings - all for less than $175.

It was awesome that the store provided cupcakes, cookies, and sparkling water for us and were really helpful helping us shop and socialize. A big thank you to the staff for having us for the night!

Bloggers from left to right in the top pic: Shop.School.Sleep., me, Nautical By Nature, Glitter on the Ceiling, A Good Hue, and henning love

You're turn to gossip. Link up and meet new friends! Here's how it works:

1. Blog about your gossip - all topics accepted
2. Include the badge (below) in your post and/or link back to Join the Gossip
3. Add your link to the list below.

<a border="0"href="http://www.jointhegossip.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q767/jointhegossip/300x300-2_zps6ded2256.png"/></a>

In Serious Need of a Beach Day!

 

B E A C H    R E A D Y!

 

Beach Day by leeannm
Linking up for Friday's Fancies

The fact that I've lived in Southern California, no more than an hour from various beaches, my entire life and have not actually hung out at the beach in years is pretty pathetic. The last two summers I've gone to the dog beach a few times, but my mutt is a spaz so it's not exactly relaxing. I need to make a serious effort this summer. I'll just add it to the summer bucket list...that I don't have. It'll happen. Maybe. Probably not. Ha!

This weekend I'm not off to the beach, but I will be somewhere that's second best to the surf and sand - J.Crew Factory for the SoCal blogger meetup Meg of henning love and I are hosting! I can't wait to mingle with local bloggers and do some serious shopping. If you're coming, see you there!

Have a great weekend and I'll see you back here next week for Monday Morning Gossip!

Glittery Goodness

Have you heard of Brandbacker? It's an awesome site where bloggers are connected to companies with cool products for review/giveaway. I recently received Glitter Makeup & Glue samples from BA Star. Glitter and makeup? Yes, please. For my review I was sent Holo Silver Glitter and Glue.

The glue works as an eyeshadow basecoat and holds the glitter in place. After applying the glue to my lashline I used a Q-tip to dab on the glitter. Of course glitter is always a bit messy, but for the most part it stays in place with the glue. I recommend waiting to apply foundation and/or face powder until after you get the glitter on, that way you can clean up the stray glitter.

Not having a husband/boyfriend, or roommate makes documenting makeup a difficult tasks. Please look only at my eyes, not the poor quality of this shot. Ha!

 

While this isn't necessarily for everyday wear it's perfect for a special occasion. I'm thinking Vegas or my birthday party this summer. What about you? Do you like to wear glitter makeup?

If you do, BA Star is offering my readers a 50% off discount on products. Just use the code BBGLITZ. The glitter makeup and glue retail for $8.75 each so with the discount you get both for the price of one. If glitter isn't your style, BA Star also sells blushes and bronzers, eyeshadows, lip gloss, and more. Go check the site out!


Post powered by BrandBacker. In addition for free samples, I provided my honest opinions.

SoCal J.Crew Factory Blogger Meetup This Saturday!

 

cardigan / Chino shorts / ballet flat / necklace

This Saturday, June 29, from 5-8 PM, Meg of henning love and I are hosting a SoCal blogger meet up at the Ontario Mills J.Crew Factory! If you live in the area, come on out for a night of shopping, light bites, and mingling with bloggers. It's a great opportunity to meet local ladies with similar interests. Here is some more info:

          J.Crew Factory Ontario

          1 Mills Circle

          Ontario, CA 91764

          RSVP

 

 

In honor of this weekend's J.Crew Factory happenings, here are my current favorite picks from the store. I may just have to pick up these goodies on Saturday. If you live in the area, hope to see you there!

 

 

Linking up for Random Wednesday & Four Favorites.

 

Bloggers & My Latest Purchase

Last week was long. Instead of going out this weekend I decided to keep it low key. While I don't have anything exciting to report on that front, I did have a GREAT time on Thursday during a blogger meetup with some wonderful ladies!

Jodi of Jodi Bean's Blog was in town so we'd planned months in advance to get together. We were thrilled to have Amy of Sweet Home Amy join us, along with my IRL BFF Kat of Shop.School.Sleep.

Jodi, me & Kathrin at Griffith Park with a view of Downtown LA 

Kathrin, me, Jodi & Amy at dinner

Thanks for the pics, Jodi!

In other news, I bought this MM COUTURE BY MISS ME dress that I am slightly obsessed with. The tiered lace style make it look a little 1920s so it'll probably be my speakeasy birthday dress!

You're turn to gossip. Link up and meet new friends! Here's how it works:

1. Blog about your gossip - all topics accepted
2. Include the badge (below) in your post and/or link back to Join the Gossip
3. Add your link to the list below.

<a border="0"href="http://www.jointhegossip.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q767/jointhegossip/300x300-2_zps6ded2256.png"/></a>

Summer Style

Happy office first day of summertime! In celebrate of this special day, let's take a minute to daydream. In said dream we all get summers off and spend our days strolling around seaside towns taking in the sun and surf. Sounds pretty awesome to me. Who wants to come with? Now all we need is a casual, yet adorable, outfit to wear during these magical days. Here's what I came up with:

Voile mini dress / Finesse Ahead of Schedule Tote / Tory Burch Thora Flat Thong Sandals / Ralph Lauren Sunglasses / Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray / BaubleBar Al Fresco Duo Strand

Linking up for Friday's Fancies 

Come back Monday for Monday Morning Gossip!

Summer Sailstice

I am a big fan of sailing. Nevermind the fact that I've only been on a sailboat once, I still love everything about nautical culture. I think it's the adventure mixed with the sea that really draws me in. This Saturday (June 22) is a worldwide event called Summer Sailstice that encourages people all over the world to get out and sail. Pretty cool right? Since I won't be sailing myself, I can just imagine I'm there right?

Here are some sailing pictures I've snapped from all over the world - from Southern California up to Vancouver, and all the way down under to Sydney. I had to sneak me in stearing a sailboat last summer ;)

Shopbop Wish List

Currently on my Shopbop wish list:

 

 

1. One Teaspoon Pretty Vegas Trench Coat

2. Soludos Ombre Rainbow Espadrilles

3. LELET NY Bow & Chain Headband

4. Parker Hayden Dress

Linking up for Random Wednesday and Four Favorites!

Spring Fever VoxBox

A few weeks ago I received the Influenster Spring Fever VoxBox and was super excited to try out all of the goodies. I either already love the brands included or have wanted to try them, so it was a win-win! Here's what was included in my box:

Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant ($4.59)
I already use Secret but am used to solid sticks. I thought the gel would be gross and feel wet but it's surprisingly exactly the same as the stick, except I can change a million times without getting white marks on my clothes.


NYC New York Color Appleicious Glossy ($2.99)
I recently blogged about my love for NYC New York Color and this gloss just reinforced that infatuation. At three bucks a pop it's a steal. During the day I wear one coat for a rosy pink color and at night I put on several layers for a darker shade.


Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure ($5.99-7.99)
This is the only product I was iffy about. Press-on nails? And in a sparkly black and white giraffe pattern? BUT they look pretty cute on and were easy to apply. I've had these one for going on four days and they're still good to go.


Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS Dust It ($23.50)
This is my new favorite product! It was hard to figure it out but once I got the hang of applying the dust to my roots, I couldn't stop. A tiny bit of power gives a huge amount of body. I apply it in the morning and hours later I can scruntch at my roots and get major lift.


Tastycake Kandy Bar Kakes ($4.49 per box)
Oh Tasteycakes. WHY DON'T YOU DISTRIBUTE TO THE WEST COAST?! I've tried these treats before and was instantly obsessed. They're delish! I received the peanut butter bar in the box and am drooling just thinking about it. Too bad I can't actually buy more her in CA. Fail.

Did you get a Spring Fever VoxBox? What samples did you get?



Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

June's Been Good So Far

I'm liking June so far. This month has been good to me. In the last two weeks I've spent time getting pampered, experiencing LA's culinary treasures, and taking in the beautiful Southern California sunsets. Here's a little peek of what I've been up to...

{updated subtle ombre}

{new cocktails and delicious food}

{beautiful California oceanside sunsets}

Your turn. Link up and meet new friends! Here's how it works:

1. Blog about your gossip - all topics accepted
2. Include the badge (below) in your post and/or link back to Join the Gossip
3. Add your link to the list below.

<a border="0"href="http://www.jointhegossip.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q767/jointhegossip/300x300-2_zps6ded2256.png"/></a>

Wedding Wear

I adore H&M and BaubleBar. I could seriously get by shopping at those two stores alone. Since wedding season is upon us, here are two wedding looks I put together using only those shops.

Wedding Wear by leeannm featuring straw handbags

 

H&M Sleeveless dress, $39 / H&M shoes, $23 / H&M shoes, $31 / H&M straw handbag, $13 / H&M straw handbag, $13 / BaubleBar yellow gold jewelry / BaubleBar silver bangle bracelet / BaubleBar cluster earrings


Linking up for Friday's Fancies 

Come back Monday for Monday Morning Gossip!

The Buttermilk Truck & Hotel Shangri-La Sunset Soiree

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Sunset Soiree celebration for The Buttermilk Truck's brunch partnership with Hotel Shangri-La in Santa Monica. Beloved in LA and featured on a national scale thanks to the Cooking Channel and Martha Stewart Everyday Food magazine, this popular food truck has perfected the red velvet pancake. Yeah, you read that right. Red.Velvet.Pancakes. 

The collaboration between The Buttermilk Truck and Hotel Shangri-La is going to be pretty magical. Instead of following the truck to get these tasty treats (because sometimes you need an immediate sweet fix) you can enjoy them for brunch in the beautiful setting of the Santa Monica seaside hotel any time you want starting June 22. 

Don't live in LA? Don't fret! Starting Saturday you can buy their delicious red velvet pancake mix on The Buttermilk Truck's Web site or purchase it at Surfas, Bristol Farms and Sur La Table starting in August for a little over $10 a can. Great deal!

Linking up for Random Wednesday

Black on Black

Can we talk about these amazing purchases I made last week? I know it's almost summer and a leather jacket doesn't necessarily make sense...scratch that...a leather jacket ALWAYS makes sense! So I had to have this one. It's super comfy because the front is cotton and it's breathable. Plus it can be styled several ways.

BLANKNYC Jacket 

I also snagged a sassy pair of Jeffrey Campbell heels. Let's hope I can walk in them. I'm so lazy and always wear flats but fell in love with these puppies. The heel isn't that crazy so I figure with some at-home breaking in I should be able to handle them.

Jeffrey Campbell Charvet

Your turn to gossip. All topics are accepted for this weekly blog hop. Link up and meet new friends!

Here's how it works:

1. Blog about your gossip
2. Include the badge (below) in your post and/or link back to Join the Gossip
3. Add your link to the list below.

<a border="0"href="http://www.jointhegossip.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q767/jointhegossip/300x300-2_zps6ded2256.png"/></a>

Own a Piece of WONDERLAND

Obsession of the week: WONDERLAND Havasu sunglasses in black & grey tortoise.

This week's Friday's Fancies "serious sunnies" theme is perfect because I've had my eyes on these amazing WONDERLAND sunglasses for the last week. The style and shape are classic but the black and grey tortoise color is unique, which gives me an excuse to buy them right? As if you needed any more convincing, here is an example of how cute they'd be with summer attire.



Serious Sunnies by leeannm

Have a great weekend. See you back here on Monday!

LA Bucket List

Today I'm linking up for the first (official) weekly installment of Never Ever Ever... The goal is to talk about something you've never done. So I figured I'd highlight the things I've never done in LA but have always wanted to.

I live right smack in the middle of the city, in Hollywood. So there's really no excuse that I don't explore more. Since I'm contemplating a move out of the city, here is my buck list for LA. I've never ever...

Walked Rodeo Drive even though I live 15 minutes away. 

 

via

Had a drink at the Hollywood hot spot Chateau Marmont even though it's a $5 cab ride away.



via

Hiked up to the Hollywood Sign even though I can see it from my neighborhood.

via

 



Went wine tasting in Malibu even though it's less than an hour away and beautiful (from what I hear).



via

 

 

Frolicked on the Santa Monica beach even though I've been to the pier many a times. 

 

via

   

Pretty sad, huh? I think it's about time I start working my way through this list!

Link up with the hosts: Shelley, Neely & Stephanie!

A Little Party Never Killed Nobody

My birthday plans are official! This weekend my parents and I went to the bar where I'm hosting my party to finalize reservations. It's a cool little speakeasy right down the street from where I live. I figured it'd be the best place to celebrate the last of my roaring 20s, plus I am a sucker for all things of the era. Secret gin joints, glitz and glam, the music - it's all kind of magical isn't it?

Here are a few shots of the bar. The first picture with the couches is the actual area we reserved.

pics via

On another party note, Meg of henning love and I are co-hosting a SoCal blogger meetup at J.Crew Factory Ontario Mills next month. Get the details and RSVP!

OK, now it's your turn to gossip. All topics are accepted for this weekly blog hop. Link up and meet new friends!

Here's how it works:

1. Blog about your gossip
2. Include the badge (below) in your post and/or link back to Join the Gossip
3. Add your link to the list below.

<a border="0"href="http://www.jointhegossip.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1358.photobucket.com/albums/q767/jointhegossip/300x300-2_zps6ded2256.png"/></a>