A Daily Dose Of Glamour

Ive been a long time supporter of Chicago based accessories maven Jess LC . Just recently, I was on the hunt for the perfect iPad case (because honestly, a girl has got to accessorize), and I came across the perfect one! Far cheaper, but infinitely chicer than most cases on the market. Not only is my hunt for the perfect case over but my wish list has grown much longer as I’m coveting just about every piece on the Jess LC website. And lucky for those of us based here in Chicago, Millennium Park will be graced by a Jess LC pop up shop on October 22.  Stop by if you can!

 Quincy iPad Case

 Webster Merci

 Quincy Coin Purse

(All images are courtesy of Jess LC )

Its not often that I feel the need to extend a birthday wish to what is essentially a fragrance company. But I feel compelled to do so with this particular brand of scent goodiness (is that even a word?? who cares, I’m using it). At my very first sniff of Baies, I instantly (and conveniently, I might add) forgot prior sentiments to never spend money on something I would quite literally be burning. All previous admonitions have been set aside to accommodate this very guilty pleasure. In fact, one of my favorite and most anticipated adventures on my trip to Paris last fall was a visit to the original store front on Boulevard Saint Germain in the Left Bank. There sealed my love affair with Diptyque and all of its home fragrances. One day when I finally get around to creating my must have list Baies will most certainly be at the top.

Happy 50th Dyptique~

(Image courtesy of Diptyque)

The past few weeks with work have thrown me so totally off my game. To cope, I have resorted to putting myself through the unnecessary added pressure of trying harder to be perfect at my job. This culminates in more than a few meltdowns, and too many sleepless nights. Then, last week, after a somewhat “minor” and scary incident which catapulted my nerves into even more of a frenzy I realized something that should have been plainly obvious; I worry too much about the little things and as much as I seriously want to, I can’t control everything. Here’s to a hopefully stress free week ahead, where I will try my best to not dwell on the minor catastrophe’s – and hopefully find some more time to find my daily dose of glamour.

(image courtesy of Vogue)

Happily relaxing on this gorgeous day with a warm cup of coffee, and the September Elle which I have been waiting in anticipation to sit down and devour from cover to cover. Looking forward to a lazy day ahead filled with cool pre autumn breezes and hopefully some study time to catch up on my French! Hope everyone has an enjoyable Labor Day !!

How excited was I today to be stopped on the street and handed a new Topshop tote bag filled with lookbook, a bottle of Topshop water, and a free gift card whose value I learn when the store opens this month.  Im always more than a little excited for new launches, and I have been anticipating the opening of  a Topshop here in Chicago for what seems like forever. And,  to keep me further in suspense, they have added a limited Chicago edition of their in house nail polish, appropriately called Windy City.

It is my firm belief that as long as Lone Scherfig continues to make movies based in London & Paris, and that I can continue to see each and every one that I will lead a very beautiful and fulfilled life. Well, thats my belief anyway. I heart Lone Scherfig and her style of film making. Most especially with An Education as that is my all time favorite movie, one I could watch time and time again.  I  loved One Day. I laughed, I cried, but mostly I was transported during every scene. . If I can convince you of any one thing to do this week, its to see this movie (preferrably at matinee time like I just did. $5 to see a movie at the cinema?? crazy good deal!!).

and should! BHLDN (pronounced beholden) the brain child of Anthropologie & Urban Outfitters, catering (but not limited to) wedding attire is my new drool worthy obsession.

My choice picks below:

Modern Mythology Gown

Pleated Fantasy Gown

Three-By-Three Clutch

Platinum Promise Gloves

Paramount D’Orsays

Feather Trimmed d’Orsays

Tied-And-True Booties

Polka-Dot d’Orsays

Liberty D’Orsays

Wreathed Laurel Barefoot Sandals

Also coveting just about everything from their accessories line, as well as a few racy-lacy choices for the boudoir!

Title image courtesy of Corina Bermudez

On the natural kick lately when it comes to beauty products; coconut oil has replaced my obsession for Neutrogena Sesame Body Oil, and Rose Water has become my new face wash. Just had a homemade spa experience with a Brown Sugar scrub. I am officially in love with D.I.Y beauty !! Seriously plan to do this at least once a week, my skin has never felt so great!!

Recipe:

Ingredients

1/ cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sea salt

1 tablespoon of coconut oil

1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablepoon of honey.

Preparation

• Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl.
• Use circular motion and massage gently using your fingertips.
• Rinse off with warm water.