Major Baggage: Must-Haves

Showing posts with label Must-Haves. Show all posts

Friday, September 13, 2013

Four Fun Finds

As I continue to transition into the Fall season, I wanted to share a few items of interest I have come across that you may find the need to accumulate as well!

BEAUTY:

In an effort to slough of Summer's dry skin and fade a few thousand freckles I have collected, I ordered a tried and true at home glycolic peel set from skin911.com I will use only once - maybe twice a week and follow the directions it comes with religiously to get soft skin results without the huge price tag of a trip to the spa or dermatologist.

STYLE:

I am loving the idea of a pending sweater season and will welcome it with a Southwestern patterned cardigan. All three above are from Forever 21. Keeping is simple with a black & white color scheme so the look doesn't get to corny. Maxi, shawl or chunky knit style???...
THAT is the question!!

ME TIME:

SHE'S BAAAAACK! Who doesn't love Elizabeth Gilbert since she took us on her amazing journey with Eat, Pray, Love ~ And her new book is almost out... Perfect, cozy, deep, MUST read!
Discover more HERE.

HOME:

Our new addition to the family! I picked this up at the Rose Bowl Flea Market last weekend... Going along with my Southwestern feel ~ I am working on a home decor upgrade of Mid-Century meets Ralph Lauren & Tommy Hilfiger and this cool (Mr. Baggage thinks kinda creepy) deer skull is seeming to be a good match for the wall at the end of the hall... Now need a pin spot light for some dramatic effect.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Fall Fun Finds

As much as I am really ready to leave this Summer behind, Mother Nature is pounding LA with high heat and humidity making it impossible to even fathom the cooler days ahead. Even so, I am all about the change in season and have collected a few things to help me get started. Enjoy!

BEAUTY:

A nice, bold berry lip is necessary for Fall this year. I found a perfect shade that works for all skin tones... Maybelline Color Sensational in Blissful Berry (base coat), topped with Raspberry Ablaze High Shine Gloss and then fill in for a fuller effect as a finishing touch with a plum liner.

Added a smidge to my cheeks for an overall blushing look - Easy, minimal, hassle-free look!

HOME:

Stop what you are doing and head straight to Bath & Body Works for this scented candle. It makes my world so much happier!!

FASHION:

If you plan to purchase only one new item for the season, my pick is a leather (real or vegan - your choice) biker jacket. I got the above from H&M and love the look for dress up or down - basic, versatile piece. It's really a no-brainer :)

Just the right amount of edge to add to a monochromatic look - keeps things interesting.

FOOD:

Favorite snack 'o the moment = fresh baguette, toasted walnuts, creamy bleu and an ample drizzling of honey... simple layers - huge flavor! Inspired by this pic from Pinterest largely in part due to the butcher's paper used as a serving tray. Gonna need a roll of this!

"Celebrate endings, as they precede new beginnings."

~ Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Cheers to a new season of Major Baggage!

Friday, June 28, 2013

Summer Fun Finds

With June 21st officially kicking off our Summer Solstice and the LA heat is hitting big time this weekend, I wanted to share with you a few major finds I have come across for the sunny months ahead. It's a little mix of beauty, a couple of wearable's and some "must have / must do" items for your checklist.

From Spring and now into Summer, I am loving a bold, bright floral print. Found these for $4 at Old Navy... Perfect little posy pop of color! And the matching pedicure options are endless!!

I'm conditioning my hair a bit more with heavier treatments since the weather is dry and the sun is strong. With that comes a little less body, so I am trying a little volumizing lift spray and then using a diffuser to dry damp hair. Perfect combo for a tousled, effortless look. This product by Sally Hershberger delivers... And the rosy sent is heaven.

Drinks and delicious bites at Sunset are a must this Summer at Bungalow Santa Monica. It's located on the property of the Fairmont Miramar and is the latest collaboration with Brent Bolthouse. Think Ralph Lauren meets Tommy Hilfiger meets California Beach culture and you have the hottest place to be and be seen.

For a day at the beach, a little subtle bling goes a long way. Keep it simple with a long, delicate gold necklace with a sweet charm. I bought a handful of these from Forever 21.

Keep your home scent light & sweet with a touch of night blooming jasmine with Voluspa's Laguna candle. I of course can't resist this gold and mint tin which will have many uses once I've burned through this gorgeous candle.

And to complete any summer updo, I am obsessing over the 4 pack of elastic headbands at Anthropologie. So many fun colors and textures, to make a simple bun or crazy pony look well thought out and put together.

Let the sun shine in!!

XO,

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Chambray & Shorts

I have to admit, when I like a certain piece of basic clothing and it comes in an array of colors and patterns... I tend to overstock. Thus is the case with a great style of shorts that I love found at Old Navy! They are basic, have great pockets and hit right at the perfect length to show off your golden Summer legs.

I've put together a little "go to" look that is easy and ready to wear to a Sunday Brunch, Backyard BBQ or lazy picnic in the park...

Yep - Went a little overboard, but I could decide on just 2!

This Madewell striped tank goes with every color (even the floral) shorts shown above to add a little texture to the look.

Layer with a cool Chambray blazer... (ummmm - yes, the shorts above are way too short!)

These are on my MUST HAVE list for Summer... Michael Kors Jalita Sandal. Always try for some sort of heel / wedge when wearing shorts to give your legs a little lengthening.

Top it off with one of my favorite clutch bags - Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac - keep the color neutral so you can use it everyday.

Easy Summer Style! Have a super fun weekend!

Monday, April 1, 2013

Spring Pedicure

Open toe shoes look to be part of the norm now as the weather warms a bit in LA. Time to change up the standard black, grey & navy color choices of months past and go with a bright, happy color. I love the fun pink of OPI's Strawberry Margarita... Not to mention it made me a little thirsty as well :) It is Spring Break after all!!

Have a fantastic week!

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Spring Fun Finds

I've been enjoying a much needed break from my regular 9 to 5 and have been able to run errands at my leisure to get the house ready for some Spring celebrations with friends and family. I of course diverted a bit in some cases to pick up a few items not really related to my "to-do" list and below is a little mix of items that came from my running around.

Thought you may need to make your way out and about and pick up some of these favorites, too!

A cluster of perfect pastel bracelets that look good enough to eat (caution... don't do that!) found at H&M... I think these would be really cute given as a gift in a little pink plastic egg :)

Lovely blush bubbly perfect to pair with an early morning Easter Egg hunt!

An unexpected new favorite found at Forever21 for only $7.50!! I am a fan of the non-padded bras and this is just so pretty, feminine and comfortable.

Voluspa's Soleil candle - The whole house smells like vacation with this sweet scent!

I'm always in trouble when I start decorating with bowls of delicious candy... New obsession are the Reese's Pieces eggs! Not sure any will be left for company...

I hope you a have a fabulous Spring weekend!!

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Mint Condition

Happy Spring, everyone! I am always surprised at how excited I get when the seasons change. It's an obvious mood booster when we go from Winter into the warmer, more colorful and light Springtime season and with that came some inspiration for a color trend I am whole heartily grasping onto. Mint is an amazing neutral color that adds just the right amount of depth to your look and your interiors... AND, well you know me - I'm a sucker for packaging, so if it's minted I'm gonna pick it up and give it a try!!

Here's a few of my current favorites:

Essie's Mint Candy Apple is a fantastic shade for your next mani. Remember - Use it as a neutral rather than the focus point and pair it with a roaring hot pink! Love this look found on Pinterest.

It's also a great season for mission organization!! CB2 will help you stay on trend and store all those pesky papers in this great filing cabinet.

I admit, the color pop of the packaging got me at first... But I really am obsessed with the Baby Lips line of lip balms and this one has a hint of tint that I love for a little flush of color. PLEASE - Don't get me started on how amazing Sally Hershberger's texture spray smells!! It's heaven and vacation rolled up into one perfect beachy wave spray. This goes in my handbag for spritzing all throughout the day.

HELLO LOVELY'S!!! Enough said... Buy them online HERE
They will go with everything!! Navy, black, grey, emerald green, hot pink, white....

Accent a wall with this cooling, calming tone... Love these pics from Pinterest showing how amazing adding berry or gold accents can make all the difference when put together with this color. Benjamin Moore paints has some great options... Check out a favorite HERE

Just went to a lovely Lia Sophia jewelry party (lots of bubbly = lots of buying!) and fell in love with their Marrakesh necklace! Should be delivered any day now and I'll be wearing this straight through the Summer.

Mr. Baggage got it so right when he chose this Mad Men style bag from Kate Spade as a special gift. He really does have fantastic taste... :)

Headed straight for my office is this super fun monogram pillow found HERE on Etsy. Toss these around your place for a little pop of minty-fresh color. Accent pillows on a neutral colored sofa with a nice, big bowl of yellow lemons on your coffee table... Instant Spring!

You've totally been minted!!
Have a great day!

Sunday, February 3, 2013

New Beauty's Test Tube

OK... I just joined this quarterly beauty sample program offered through New Beauty Magazine and I got my first shipment this weekend ~ Can I please say OMG!! It's called Test Tube (sign up HERE) and as you can see below it is an amazingly package design that only costs $30 four times a year and it is filled with fantastic samples that easily are worth double if not triple the cost of what you pay per quarter! I am over the moon with excitement to try it all out.

Here's a peek of what's inside:

An exciting day to find this pretty pink box at your door!

Inside you will find the tube filled to the brim with samples and a complimentary copy of the latest New Beauty mag which retails for $10 on its own!

Inside the pretty pink tube you will find the treasures... both in smaller sample and FULL size products. Face creams, serums, latest sunscreens, cleansers, blush, eyeliner, hair products... OH MY!!

Two of the full size products were Tart's Amazonian Clay blush in Flush (amazing!) and Dr. Brandt's Pores No More cleanser (love it!). Get this... The blush retails at Sephora for $26 and the cleanser is $35! So right there you have made up the quarterly cost for the total package!

And that's not all! A full size Mally eyeliner! I've been using this product and it is a staple - Waterproof with just a touch of shimmer and goes one smooth for a perfectly lined smokey eye.

Join in on all the fun!!

Monday, January 28, 2013

Valentine's Day Gift Idea!

Really this holiday is all about sweets & treats for us lady's, but below is a great gift idea for your guy! Check out DollarShaveClub.com where you will find not only a hilariously created video (got me hook, line & sinker!) by the founder of the company, but a great product sent monthly and based on which option you choose ($1, $6 or $9 a month) a great razor and blades will be sent right to his door in a cool, sleek package. I went with the $6 option (recommend rather than $1 which is really too basic) and the quality in the first shipment was fantastic! Mr. Baggage was definitely impressed... and sometimes that's hard to do!

Watch the video! This guy is f**king great.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Winter Beauty Inspiration!

It's that time of year where skin & hair unfortunately seems to be overly dry, chapped, frizzy, flaky and just plain BLAH!
Below are just a few products I have been using this past month that seem to really make a difference and a couple favorite products that help enhance the Winter blues.
Take a peek!

Jouer glosses in perfect warming shades. Lovely for all skin tones, these super creamy, sheer lip enhancers are all great accompaniments for a bold smokey eye. They are full of moisturizing Shea Butter and essential oils to keep your pout from peeling when the wind and temps. dip below freezing! Buy online HERE

Have we all seen the infomercial by now?? This product truly should be a staple for your locks! I must admit that shampooing my hair with a non-lathering product did make me skeptical, but it really does leave it squeaky clean with the most amazing moisture and shine! Fight the frizz with this product as it also double as a styling cream when applied sparingly to dry hair on day 2. Buy it HERE!

HUGE find - no dermatologist prescription needed! I was searching for a intense night cream that would actually make a clinical difference and came across this 1% Retinol cream from SkinCeuticals. The reviews on the site had me convinced that this product would give me some results in the "anti-aging" category I was looking for and I was so right. ALERT! Follow the directions carefully! I had great results the 1st two nights I used the cream, so I was bold in thinking I could start out using this every night, but night 3 in a row was pushing it and led to red, irritated skin with some peeling. I gave it a break for about 3 days and am back successfully using only every other day and it's perfect! Tight, glowing, smaller pores - YES!!

Love this drugstore find! $1.99 buys you a great, basic black polish for those at-home mani's. It does dry super fast and I'm on day 3 with only one coat and zero chipping!

This little gem came in my January BirchBox and it is a new Must-Have product for my everyday routine. Without this eyelid primer I would end up with my darker shadows creeping up to my brow bone by the end of the day. Just a little bit on your lid and everything stays put... shadow, liner, shimmer. Totally worth adding this one quick step to your overall beauty look. Buy it HERE!

Monday, January 21, 2013

Interior Heaven!

Current Obsession Alert! Overstock.com has the most amazing interior pieces to add an overall mid-modern look to your home. Not your style... not to worry!! They really have EVERTHING you would need to update your existing look at super great prices. Oh - and plenty of bags, shoes and jewels to make sure you look fantastic in your space as well.
Here are just a FEW of my top picks...