i wore this...to work [epaulets]

No, this isn't a one woman reenactment of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.  It's just me and what I wore to work today...epaulets and all.

While there is no arguing that this fits into the realm of business casual, some might suggest that the shoulder tassels are a tad bit silly.  But as per usual, other's silly is my train-conductor chic.

{blouse: Reiss; skirt: Brian Reyes; booties: Loeffler Randall; sunnies: Chloe} 

beauty focus [bio oil]

And now it is time for your weekly beauty update from Jamie:

OK, so we all know I am a sucker for products of all kind. I am especially smitten with high-end luxury goods.  For some reason the pretty bottles, lovely smells and high prices realllly do it for me (OK, not the high prices – but there is a price for beauty, right?).  Well, usually I scour the Bloomies beauty counter, Sephora and Saks for my favorite buys, but today I am going to share one of my favorite DRUGSTORE products.

Shocking, I know. But sometimes we gots to save da cheddar.

Don’t be fooled by the fact that you can find this at CVS/Walgreens/Save-on/etc.  This stuff is the BIZZOMB (my bestie has been watching too much “Ice Loves CoCo” and her new ghetto slang is starting to wear off on me).

Ok, so, what is this secret weapon I speak of?  Bio Oil, of course.

Recently, one of my gal pals was complaining about her dry skin.  I recommended Bio Oil and it changed her life (that might be an exaggeration, but it really had an impact).  

I first discovered Bio Oil when I was home in Colorado. Boy is it dry there! Seriously, one night without the humidifier and my body turns into the SAHARA.  Add the elements of snowboarding (wind, cold and snow) and we have ourselves a situation. NOTHING WORKS...except Bio Oil.  Now, I do have pretty sensitive skin, so I can’t use the Bio Oil for a prolonged period of time on my face (if I’m really dry I use it every other day for about a week), but not to worry, there are a gajillion other uses for this stuff.

Here are just a few:

1. SCARS/STRETCH MARKS: After my hip surgery (see discussion on too much snowboarding, above) I was left with a few little scars on my hips – conveniently located close to those horrid marks that appeared as I aged (sad face).  Bring in the Bio Oil. After applying the healer to my scars (and their neighboring marks), over a period of a few months they have all but disappeared. Yayyyy.

2. CUTICLES: Mine get dry. Then I pick at them.  I was once told by my lovely neighbors that no one would take me seriously nor would I ever find a boyfriend if I had mangled cuticles and nails. So what do I do? Bio Oil application on the cuticles every night. Keeping the fingers crossed for a boyfriend.

3. BURNS: I like to protect my skin, I don’t want wrinkles, and I always wear sunscreen. Somehow, I missed a few spots (on my feet, weird) when I was in Miami. Oh, don’t worry, cured by the Bio Oil.

4. HAIR REMOVAL ISSUES: I hate to discuss this publicly, but let’s be honest, it happens to the best of us. Whether it is shaving, waxing or some other painful method, hair removal has its issues. Mainly, ingrown hairs. Sometimes it’s pretty hard to just leave those little mofos alone...and we pick. Tisk, Tisk. But, once again, Bio Oil to the rescue. A once scarred scene has turned into scar-free skin. (I feel like this has been an over share, but please note that I am doing it for YOU).

5.  Even MAKEUP APPLICATION:  Check out this excerpt from Seventeen Magazine on Dewy Skin.  Genius.

That is all I have friends.  How do you use your Bio Oil?  Anything I have missed?  Have you left to buy some yet?

'Till next time.

**NOTE: All opinions regarding products are that of the author and, unless otherwise noted, were unsolicited and uncompensated.


{images 1 via the beauty edition; 2 via outsider's edition; and 3 via the fashionable housewife}

vacay [i'm baaaccck]

I'm baaacck!

We officially got back from Bali yesterday, and let me tell you what I have learned: (1) I love that place, and (2) I am not the traveler I used to be.

I have these glamorized visions of pre-full-time-job Lynsey and she was so spontaneous, jumping on planes to Hong Kong with less than a weeks notice, remembering the tricks of the trade for falling asleep on planes, eating local food, and meeting people from all over.  She was a pro.

But apparently, post-full-time-job Lynsey, while still a traveler, is a little out of practice.  As evidenced by the constellation of bug bites on my body I forgot to bring spray for, the burn on my chest I forgot to protect against, and the straw that is now my hair.

I even got a heat rash while bopping around Singapore on the way home, and Singapore wasn't even that hot! And, unfortunately, the story doesn't end there.  I then proceeded to put leggings on over the heat rash before an 18 hour plane flight.  Pure genius, I tell you.  Genius.  Needless to say, pre-full-time-job Lynsey is embarrassed by this story.

Apparently traveling is nothing like riding a bike.  Although, I also learned on this trip that I no longer know how to do that either...

Makes me wonder, is this the reason why parents don't like to travel?  They forget how to do it?  Or is it really the "traveling with kids is so expensive" excuse?  After this last trip, I am beginning to think it might be the former....you decide.

However, there is one thing that I still know how to do, and that is shop!  So to make up for my lack of traveling prowess, I went a little crazy in the loot department.

My favorite of my haul being these handwoven hand-dyed Ikat fabrics.  I walked into Nogo and almost died, I was so in love with everything there.  I walked out with six different fabrics that I intend to use on the daybed in my "office/dressing room" (and by this I mean our third tiny bedroom) re-design.  

I.  Am.  In.  Love.

I will say that no one else was as crazy about this monkey-man animal fabric as I was.  But I love how crazy it is.  I also got a gorgeous green Ikat that I intend to turn into a comforter to go with all of the pillows I am going to make using these fabrics.  Dying to see it all together (including this "antique" box we picked up).

So at least I wasn't a TOTAL embarrassment.  I did come back with something other than bug bites and a heat rash.  

And while I may have been a complete disaster, I remembered why I love traveling and I can't wait to start planning our next adventure.  Thailand?  Morocco?  Brazil?  I am not quite ready to give it up.  Although, that heat rash stunt could be enough to do it next time....

vacay [seminyak, bali]

It is official: I am on vacation.  After three flights, four airplane meals, a six hour layover in Singapore, and over twenty hours of air time, we are officially in Bali.  I am away from my desk, I am not returning emails, and I am finally relaxing.

{t-shirt: National Geographic; necklace: Kathryn Bobb; sunnies: Chloe}

 

So many fun images to share after only three nights here, but first things first. I made a little discovery whilst unpacking.  You see, I discovered that I had packed eleven pairs of shoes. ELEVEN.  I am not sure what exactly I thought I was going to be doing while I was here.  But eleven pairs of shoes for a seven day trip seems a bit extreme.  I honestly think I could stay here for a month with this stock.  On the up side, at least I am prepared if at the last minute we are all invited to hop aboard a private jet and travel to Morocco for a week following our vacay here....

A girl can dream, can't she?

So far we have spent lots of time shopping around (more on that tomorrow) and eating amazing food.  I think it is also worth mentioning that I was finally able to debut my Antik Batik caftan at Ku De Ta in Seminyak. 

Hello chic, so nice of you to join us all the way out here in paradise...

 {skirt: Joie; handbag: Cynthia Vincent; scarf: vintage; sandals: Cynthia Vincent}

Other than shopping (and a 1 a.m. hike to the top of an active volcano - yes, I did this), I have spent most of my time thus far laying out in the sun and hanging out with my pillow.  Hey, my friends may call me lame, but I think it is pretty clear that I needed some serious shuteye. 

Today we spent the morning in Nusa Dua and the afternoon bopping around Seminyak.  Several good meals and dip-dyed caftan purchases later, we are getting ready for a full day of exploring and activity tomorrow.  Seeing as how I am scheduled to spend the entire day riding around Bali on a bicycle, there are sure to be stories for tomorrow's post.  Especially since the last time I rode a bike I rode it straight into a fire hydrant. Perhaps someone should alert the public that I will be trying again tomorrow...

Start praying now.

Are you loving these hand-beaded belts or what?   Don't worry, you don't have to say goodbye.  We all bought them for a whopping $5 and they are packed away in my suitcases with certainly more to come. 

 {all images by LOF}

vacay [i'm leaving on a jetplane]

Alright all of my lovely ladies, today is officially the day.  That is right - I am leaving for vacation!  

Bali here I come!

But don't fret my pet, I have Internet access and I fully intend to utilize this time to blog like no blogger has blogged before.  Expect to see loads of maxi's, platform sandals and beaches.  Maybe even a monkey or two.  And if you are extra special lucky (who are we kidding, you are!), I might show you how to take that beach wear into the office....or maybe just to dinner.  We will have to wait and see.

Oh, and expect to see alot of this bag!  It's Cynthia Vincent and my pick for summer.  You should get one (comes in many prints/colors) here, here, or here.  But hurry, because they are sold out in most places...

Safe travels and see you next week....in Bali!

lust list [platform wedges]

Don't forget to enter the LOF giveaway here!  You could win a pair of crystal Ettika BFF bracelets.  To die.

-----------------------------------------------

Welcome to a new feature here on LOF that I am hereby dubbing "Lust Lists."  I don't think it needs much more explaining than that.  Basically, weekly I am going to give you a list of alot of things I think I "need" and then let you know how/where you can make them yours, too.  Easy peasy.

This particular feature came about after two separate conversations.  The first, a friend of mine told me that I should be a professional shopper.  She essentially compared me to an encyclopedia by deciding that I have too much information as to where to find anything, how much it is at each store, when and where it is on sale and different options (you just think you wanted that pair....have you seen these five others?).  I will admit, it can make me annoying to shop with.  So I decided I might use my knowledge for good, rather than evil, and supply it to all of you....who supposedly care (you are reading this aren't you??).  The second conversation that spawned this venture was with a friend/reader who commented on her love for posts about where to/how to.  These two conversations together have blossomed this.  Lust lists.

And for my first stab at it, I am going to start with platform wedges.  Because it is summer, and because I apparently have an obsession.  As evidenced by my recent purchase of these lovely Casadei wedges.

I am a huge platform wedges fan.  Perhaps it is because I am all but 5 foot 1 inch, but I love them.  You tall ladies can be models...I get platform wedges.  And these Casadei lovelies make it all worth it.

However, if you don't want to forfeit an entire month's rent on a pair of Casadei sandals, I have some other lusts that are more pocketbook friendly.  And this season, for me, the mother of all platform wedges HAS TO BE Dolce Vita.  They have managed to come out with not one, but at least four different pairs of platform wedges that are must haves for me.  Good news?  Fairly easy on the Benjamin's.

This first pair I happened to snatch up, also (told you, obsession).  They are presently on sale over at Piperlime for around $80.  Can't beat that.  Not to mention, they are insanely comfortable.  Literally, it is like wearing Aerosoles, only chic.

If I wanted to go the black route (although all of the styles I have selected come in black also), there is no way I would get anything other than this pair (so perfectly dubbed the Camryn).  These are fairly new, so not on sale, but still not out of this world for around $220.  Have you seen anything more amazing?

And finally, the pair that got me hooked on Dolce Vita wedges in the first place.  I am OBSESSED.  I haven't seen a single person (including individuals who tried to tell me their ankles weren't made for these....you know who you are) who didn't look fabu in these.  They come in essentially every color under the sun (including my fav, the red....hott), and you can also decide if you want regular leather or suede.  They are all over the place for around $175-$190, but a few colors are on sale at Piperlime as we speak for around $120.  

Isn't the tassle adorbs?

If you are in love with the above but still want to save a little in the rent department, DV by Dolce Vita has come out with a slightly less platform and slightly less pricey version of the shoe, that runs from $60-$90.  I have seen them on sale at a few online shops.  And, like their more expensive sister, they come in a plethora of colors, including a very chic gray.

That is it for Dolce Vita.  But before I leave you, I have another lust just in case you want to splurge...  Last but not least, I think my next purchase is going to be these Diane von Furstenberg lovelies.  Who said I had to be reasonable at all times?  This is my lust list after all.

What is on your lust list?

{images 1 & 2 via rue la la; 3 & 4 via piperlime.com; 5, 6, 9 & 10 via saksfifthavenue.com; 7 & 8 via bloomingdales.com; 11 via lori's shoes; and 12 & 13 via shopbop.com}

give-away [ettika bff bracelets]

Enter scene:  

Two years ago at the Beach Club with American Girl in Chelsea.  I am wearing a caftan, my bathing suit, the cutest fringe sandals and loads of stackable bracelets.  **Yes, I remember this like it was yesterday.  I can't  remember the name of someone I met five minutes ago, but I have an uncanny ability to remember exactly what I was wearing on almost any day in history.  Them's the breaks.

And while I wasn't wearing this outfit (hello!  Neon wasn't back yet...), my wrists looked something like this:

 {all bracelets: Ettika}

AG:  "What do you have going on on your wrist there?"

LOF:  "These bracelets?  My new obsession.  Ettika.  It is like being in high school and playing with friendship bracelets, only chic and for adults."

AG:  "They are AMAZE."
LOF:  "I am aware.  It is my life goal to own all of them and to wear all of them at once.  Seriously.  We are talking about taking stacking bracelets to a whole new level.  A level that takes up the better part of my arm."

End Scene.

If we have ever met, or even if you have just perused the LOF pages but once, you are aware of my Ettika obsession.  There is no other word for it. Leather, satin, charms, etc.  You name it, I am stacking it.

Which is why I was beyond excited when the lovelies over at Ettika contacted me about a give-away here on LOF.  Considering I would sell my left arm (or right, depending upon which one was rocking bracelets that day) for one of the new Ettika crystal BFF bracelets, I almost fell out of my chair at the opportunity to give not one, but TWO of them to a lucky reader!

The incorporation of crystals into the new Ettika lines is to die.  From the chic elegance of the new vintage ribbon collection (pink bracelet below) to the perfectly summer BFF bracelets (tribal and lime below), I am needing (read: painfully wanting) the entire line.  I am not kidding when I say I could go broke buying every color for every one of my friends.  The goods news?  The BFF bracelets are all around $36 a pop, so they make the perfect gift for your BFF or last minute gift to yourself.  Not to mention, you don't have to spend a week braiding these on the playground yourself, only to end up with something crooked and (let's be honest) crystal-less.  

Who has time for that anymore?

Literally, I am so excited I just can't hide it.  Please tell me you are also doing crazy dance moves and whirling around your room (or office as the case may be) at the mere thought of gracing your right forearm with some of this fabulousness.

{blouse: DVF; shorts: Rag & Bone; shoes: Boutique 9; sunnies: Chloe; all bracelets: Ettika}

OK, I won't keep you waiting any longer.  In order to win a pair of Ettika BFF bracelets (that is right, one for you and one for your BFF!), here is what you have to do:

1.  Comment on this post and tell us who your BFF is and why (funny stories will also do...hey, I need entertainment!).  And don’t forget to include your name and a contact email address in your post.  You want us to actually be able to notify you when you win, right?

2.  For an extra entry "like" Ettika on Facebook and comment on their Facebook wall telling the world who you would give your BFF bracelet to if you win the LOF give-away.  Make sure you drop us a line here to let us know you gave Ettika a shout out on their page. 

Finally, the winner of the Ettika give-away will be announced over Twitter first (which means you should probably be following LOF, if you aren't already) and then on LOF a week from today.  That's Tuesday June 14, 2011 for all of you who are calendar challenged.

That is it!  Now get started on those funny stories...

I expect them to be good....  You do want this (see below) to be yours, right?

**NOTE:  This give-away is open only to those readers with a mailing address in the United States.  My apologies to all you other lovelies.  Good luck!

{all images by and therefore the property of LOF}

casual friday [denim on denim]

If I was writing one of those books where every chapter had two names, today's post would be titled:

Denim on Denim 

OR

The Tale of the Disappearing Jeans

I have sad news to report, my friends.  After weeks of searching, throwing temper tantrums and tearing apart every suitcase I own, I have decided it was time to declare the time of disappearance.  That's right, my absolute favorite pair of skinny jeans (Seven "The Skinny" in Indigo, if you must know) have gone on a trip without me.  And while I have three other pairs of skinny's in this same cut, I am still a bit heatbroken.  So in memoriam of the jeans that are no more, this casual Friday I have opted for lots 'o denim.... and a frown.

beauty focus [lip service]

Another beauty update from make-up master fresh, Jamie:

Smooches!

I have a confession: lately my lips have been a little less-than-kissable.  Maybe it’s the sun, maybe it’s the alcohol/water ratio (yes, I know the importance of staying hydrated but I did just spend Memorial Day by the pool on the rooftop of The London – who could blame me for enjoying ten a few cocktails), or maybe it is just the fact that there isn’t enough moisture in the air.  Who knows?!?  Regardless, it’s time to fix this mess.

And why you ask? It’s not just because I’m looking forward to a few Xs and Os this weekend but I am a perfectly polished professional (during the week). So, my plan is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and slather on tons of Smith’s Rosebud Salve (they started making it in a tube!! heyyooo)...but, all this talk about lips begs the questions:

What’s the appropriate lip lacquer for work?

Now, I’m not a huge fan of the lipstick. I much prefer a light gloss. My go-to/always have in my bag: Lancome Juicy Tube in “Pure.” It’s clear, it’s light and it is not at all gooey. But, there is something to be said for looking like you actually TRIED. 

When I do need a bit of color where do I turn?  I turn to my collection of Chanel Lip Gloss (yes, I have a problem – we know this).  For the very lightest of color, the limited edition Gloss Fluo is AMAZE.  It looks hot-ass pink in the tube, but trust me, you can’t go wrong.  

When I’m looking for a little shimmer in my smackers, Levres Scintillantes Glossimer #148 is definitely the way to go – light pink with a golden sheen....looks smokin’ with the tan.

And finally, what is the perfect, polished, wear-everyday look?  It has to be the Rouge Allure Extrait De Gloss.  I would say it’s the perfect hybrid of “gloss meets stick”...like the Prius of the makeup world.  My favorite of the Rouge Allure shades is Insouciance. It’s a creamy pinkish nude that gives the right amount of gloss but with a tad more color.  Best of all, it looks great with any skin tone.

And for those of you who are looking to make a statement, nothing says “I’m a young, hot, badass attorney” like a smooth red lipstick.*  In fact, try the Rouge Allure Extrait De Gloss in Exces – gorgeous!!

*PLEASE NOTE: not everyone can pull this off (especially not if you have my skin tone). Your lips CANNOT BE CHAPPED (read: ewww).  Please, for the sake of those who have to look at your face for any period of time, don’t wear red lipstick with a FULL FACE OF MAKEUP, and finally - remember, keep it classy...and off your teeth!!

XOXO.... or should I say XXXX!

{images 1 via superkozmetic.com; 2 via izzysbeautyshoppe.com; 3 via au-home.glam.com; and 4 via lacroixthebeautyblog.blogspot.com}