GORGEOUS scarves

As you can tell from all my February posts, I am wishing for warmer weather.  I really am longing to lie on a beach with a coconut drink in my hand.  But alas, here I am in Denver and it is cold.  That won't stop me from preparing for warm weather, however!

These beautiful scarves from Theodora and Callum, with all their gorgeous color combinations, add a bit of sunshine to my day.  These scarves are LARGE, and so can be used so many different ways...as a skirt, miniskirt, halter dress, empire dress...you name it!  Not only can you browse their unique scarf collection at www.theodoraandcallum.com, but you can click on "Ways to Wear" to see their wardrobe versatility.  Be prepared to be inspired by these wearable works of art!  (all images from theodoraandcallum.com)

Perfect beach bag

It is so chic to carry a straw bag for your beach and pool outings.  Now I know you aren't going to be jumping in the pool anytime soon (hello 28 degrees!), but Spring Break is around the corner and perhaps you are going to a tropical location?

Raffia and straw bags always look easy and casual in the summer, and they look as modern today as they did in the 1950s.  I love the "Bahia" bag from JCrew for so many reasons.  It has a cool hobo shape and beautiful colored ribbons woven into the design (think orange, white, black, green and gold).  The honeyed leather strap makes this bag look much more expensive than $78.  This is a bag you'd pull out of your closet year after year.

Spring nail polish

As I mentioned in a previous post, coral is going to be a BIG color for spring...on lips and on nails.  My favorite coral for spring is from OPI and is called "Guy Meets Galveston".  It is a beautiful pinky-coral and will look just perfect with your summer bathing suit, or peeking out of your sandals at Easter!  This color  goes on very sheer, so I recommend 2-3 coats of the color to really make it pop.  Gorgeous!

Two other colors I like are by Essie and are called "Topless and Barefoot" (a lovely nude color...appropriate for the name, don't you think?) and "French Affair" (a sheer candy pink).  Both would be perfect on fingernails for a clean, fresh look.

All colors are available at amazon.com for approximately $5.

Funky little sneakers

If you want to go casual (think kid's soccer game, dance rehearsal, hockey practice, field day), I think Converse "Chuck Taylors" should be in your arsenal.  They are comfortable, look great with jeans and are just so hip.  This is a little shoe with a big personality!  There isn't a person alive who wouldn't look great in Chuck Taylors, from a 5th grader to an 80 year old grandma.

I love the variety of colors and designs you find in Chuck Taylors, but their crisp white color is wonderful too.  It just gets dirty a bit quicker than the colors.  You can find Converse Chuck Taylors online at converse.com (where they sell 1/2 sizes as well), or Nordstrom (they do NOT carry 1/2 sizes) from $39.95 - $49.95.

Do you need a good laugh?

I just love looking at catalogs, not quite sure why, but I do!  Maybe I want my home to look as clean and organized.  Maybe I want to see attractive men pretending to throw a football.  Whatever the reason, I have lots of catalogs in my house.  My friend, Sheliah, told me to check out a blog called Catalog Living and I have to tell you it is HYSTERICAL!  If you want a good laugh, go to www.catalogliving.net.  It is written by a comedian and her deadpan observations of catalog pictures will crack you up!  Think of her as the Seinfeld of catalogs.  Enjoy!

Sweet little french bakery

This post is about food not fashion, but this little French Bakery is so good, I wanted to share it with you all!  If you are ever in Highlands Ranch, take the time to check out Pierre Michel bakery.  It is located at the corner of Fairview and Highlands Ranch Parkway, in the Rubios parking lot.

I am a francophile, and therefore love all things french.  The owners, who moved to Colorado from France a few years ago (and have lovely french accents!) make their pastries fresh every morning.  My favorite is the almond croissant, which is the most heavenly thing I have ever tasted.  They sell out of these QUICKLY...so quickly, that I thought this "almond croissant" might be an urban legend!  They do exist...you just have to go early, or order them in advance.  The chocolate croissant is also a delight.  Or, you can go for lunch and order the delicious ham and brie sandwich.  Enjoy!

Perfect trench coat

Every fashion book I read sings the praises of the trench coat.  Why?  Because it is chic, yet durable and functional.  Few items in your wardrobe will work three out of the four seasons!  I like my coats to be slightly fitted, with room enough for a sweater to fit comfortably underneath, and this Calvin Klein trench fits the bill.

This trench hits just below the bum and ties nicely at the waist for a "cinching" effect.  I've worn many things underneath and have never had that bothersome "bunching" you can get with a too-fitted coat.  I have tried on $400+ trench coats, and I think this one by Calvin Klein is superior to many pricier versions.  It comes in khaki, black and a denim color & is $128.

Disclaimer:  The Burberry Trench is the creme de la creme of trench coats.  They cost over $800, but hey, if you can afford it, this will be an investment piece you wear throughout your life.  Otherwise, this CK trench will do just fine!

photo from Nordstrom.com, Calvin Klein trench $128

Oscar Night Bingo

My friend, Kelly, recommended I look at a blog called "how about orange".  It is adorable...great little DIY projects!  On this blog, the writer created "Oscar Night 2011 Bingo" cards (10 of them) to play with your family and friends.  How hysterical!  As an avid Oscar watcher, I thought this would be a hoot to play with  my son and husband.  Maybe you'd like to play with your family as well?  The link is attached.  Enjoy!

www.jessicajonesdesign.com/downloads/oscar_bingo_2011.pdf

Shoes, shoes, shoes!

You know I love accessories.  I have really been into shoes lately and for some reason, expensive shoes!  This good taste of mine is a CURSE!  Dream with me...

Odeon sandals, JCrew, $148 -- These flat sandals come in a range of colors, but I am particularly fond of the mossy oak color with its' sand accents.  I've tried them on and they are super comfortable and very flattering on the leg.  They will also go with everything this spring and summer.  Love the ankle strap, but there is one caveat.  If you have a larger ankle, this may not be for you.  The ankle strap is very short.

Deveaux Suede Pump, JCrew, $198 -- Again, these pumps come in various colors, but I love the toffee for its' pop of mellow yellow!  With only a 2.75 inch heel (I love any heel under 3 inches), it is not too high to wear comfortably.  This would jazz up any spring and summer dress.

Stuart Weitzman Keyman, stuartweitzman.com, $325 -- Are these cut-out oxfords not the cutest oxfords you've ever seen?  I think they are so original, so fresh.  Wear them with wide leg trousers, boyfriend jeans, shorts...they would look perfect with most outfits.

Update on Orange Crush

Alright, so I finally got to see the Kate Spade orange Essex bag in person (see previous Orange Crush post).  Guess what ladies!?!  It is NEON orange.  Now, I loved neon colors when I was in Junior High.  When I wore them, I felt like something special!  I also wore a 45 record in my hair once, but I digress!  Today, a neon orange bag that costs almost $400...well, I'm not touching that!  Not practical, not wearable...I love Kate Spade, but what was she thinking?

Happy Valentines Day to you!

Hello lovely ladies!  I wish you all a very happy Valentines Day.  Here are a few items that might make a good gift for yourself, all from Sephora.

Sephora by OPI Urban Ballerina Mini Collection $18 - Oh this is the CUTEST nail polish palette.  Every color is wearable.  The pale pinks are perfect for fingernails, the electric purple and cool gray perfect for toes!  Gotta have it!

Fresh Sugar Rose Lip Treatment $22 -  My friend, Sheliah, gave me this for Christmas and I just LOVE it. It is emollient, and just lasts and lasts, even in this Denver dryness!  It gives your lips the prettiest rose tint.  While I love wearing it now, I think it will be particularly nice for spring.

Sephora Collection professional platinum foundation airbrush #56 ($32) - Everyone in the beauty industry will tell you that using a brush to apply foundation will give you a more flawless finish.  Normally I just pump foundation into my hand and mix it with my moisturizer, and then slather it on...but if I want a nicer finish, the brush is wear it's at!

Orange crush

This might be the MOST ADORABLE purse I have ever laid eyes on!  I have always loved orange, but truly, I did not know it could look as good as it does in this Kate Spade bag.  I love that it is a crossbody (so functional!), I love that it looks like it could have been made in the 1970s (but has such staying power that it is still cool), and I love the 14 karat gold accents.  I am pining for this bag (and by the way, this picture does not do the color justice)!!!!

Kate Spade Essex Scout, $395, zappos.com

Protein Pancakes

This simple recipe was in my latest Shape magazine, and it was so good that I wanted to share it with you! They couldn't be easier to make.

In a bowl combine 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup  cottage cheese, 1/2 cup egg whites (I just used 2 eggs), a tsp of vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon.

Heat cooking spray in a nonstick skillet and pour 1/4 cup batter in at a time to make one pancake.  Flip pancake when the surface starts to bubble (as with a regular pancake).  Serve drizzled with agave nectar and fresh berries.  ENJOY!

Products I can live without, but chose not to!

One of my previous posts talked about my "desert island picks"...those items I just can't live without.  What follows is a list of items, that space permitting, I would also take to that desert island with me.  I'd beg, "Please, please can I take these things too?"  I could live without them, but I chose not to!  What would be on your list??

 1.  Fit Flops -- I wear these ALL THE TIME!  I don't go barefoot in my house and since I am accident prone, socks aren't a great idea on the hardwood floors.  Fit Flops are flip flops with "toning" properties.  All I know is that they make my back feel TERRIFIC.  I even take my fit flops on trips with me.

2.  Bobbi Brown bronzing powder in medium -- This bronzer is wonderful.  It gives your skin a sun kissed look without a hint of sparkle.  It looks great alone, or under blush.  If I am wearing no other makeup, I am at least wearing this bronzer, which makes me feel "finished".

3.  Shu Uemura eyelash curler -- Considered the Cadillac of eyelash curlers, this is one product I can't live without.  The curler makes your lashes look so long!  One or two squeezes of this curler, and your eyes look wide open and alive.  With or without mascara, this is a keeper!

4.  Bobbi Brown Gel eyeliner and cream shadow -- I consider these two products the best cosmetics items on the market.  They DON'T BUDGE at all!  My eye makeup looks just as perfect at 5 p.m. as it does at 9 a.m. due to these amazing products.

5.  Maybelline Full 'N Soft mascara -- I've tried so many mascaras, and this is by far the best I've found (for me!).  It separates my lashes and makes them look full, but is not in the least bit cakey.  My trick is to put one coat of regular mascara on my eyes, and follow with the the waterproof version.  This keeps my mascara on during the day, but easy to remove at night.

6.  L'Oreal Brow Stylist in Blonde -- As a very recent brow convert, I will say that this pencil softly defines my brows and frames my face, but doesn't make me feel like a circus clown!  It really does make a big difference for those of us with blonde brows.

7.  Kiss My Face "Active Athletic" bath and shower gel -- This birch and eucalyptus infused gel smells calming and exhilarating at the same time (how is that possible?)!  I love it after a work-out.  It is so moisturizing and soothing!

8.  La Roche Posay sunscreen -- I like any and all types of this brand of sunscreen.  They provide the best protection...truly there is nothing on the market like it.

9.  Moroccan Oil -- I could sing the praises of this wonderful line of hair products.  Moroccan Oil contains argan oil, which may be the best scent on the planet.  Their shampoo and conditioner smell like heaven and truly moisturize/defrizz hair.  It seems like it was created specifically for people living in Denver!  The oil goes on lightly and gives my hair incredible shine.  I haven't tried a MO product that I didn't love.

Bobbi Brown lipsticks - for a purpose!

I love all things Bobbi Brown, and she is now offering three beautiful creamy lip colors to benefit women's heart disease.  It is called the Heart Truth Creamy Lip Color Trio, and contains the following super-flattering colors:  Nectar, Uber Pink and Blue Raspberry.  Think of the creamy lip color as a cross between lip balm and lipstick...great color, superior moisturizing.  Only 500 sets are available at www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com.  With the code "HTRUTH9", you will receive free shipping.  $59, while supplies last.

My desert island picks

We all have those items we just can't live without, and it got me thinking, "What would I want at my disposal if I got stuck on a desert island?".  Now, I am going to assume that this island magically has electricity and outlets, although I am the only person on it.  These are my "bare bones" beauty and well-being items!  What are yours?  I'd love to know, so just leave me a comment and we can pass these great tips around.

1.  My sonicare toothbrush -- truly can't live without it!
2.  Glide dental floss -- I really like flossing.
3.  Dove unscented bar soap -- This has been my face-washing staple for years and years.
4.  Cetaphil lotion in the tub -- just so emollient and perfect for our dry weather.
5.  Aveda unscented eye cream -- This has been discontinued and I couldn't be more sad about it!  I go from eye cream to eye cream, never finding a suitable replacement.  I have one jar left...woe is me!
6.  Bobbi Brown spf 15 pot lip balm -- I use this morning, noon and night.  It is simply the best lip balm I have ever tried and even though it has spf, I use it before I go to bed.
7.  Aveeno unscented sensitive skin spf 30 facial lotion -- I really love this face lotion, and I really love the low price!  Although it contains SPF, it goes on sheer and is not shiny.  Additionally, it mixes well with my foundation to make a "tinted moisturizer".
8.  Juice Plus supplements -- love getting those antioxidants from fresh fruits and veggies.  I swear it makes me healthier!  My hair and nails grow like gangbusters.
9.  Fish Oil capsules by Theratears -- These help with dry eye and I think, although can't prove, that my complexion looks healthier when I take them.
10.  Aquaphor ointment -- Is there anything that Aquaphor can't help?
11.  Band aids and neosporin -- Sadly, I use them so much I should have stock in those companies!
12.  Sephora clear hair bands -- I need a ponytail!
13.  Smart water -- This water is infused with electrolytes and helps me to stay hydrated.  I can actually feel the difference.  If I am really feeling parched, this is my go-to.

That's a long list of things I can't live without, I know!  Perhaps I am high-maintenance???

Adorable pullovers

Anthropologie has the most adorable "lounge clothes" (truth be told, I wear them everywhere).  Their latest lounge wear offering is over-the-top cute.  From my previous posts, you probably know I am a sucker for a cowl neck ANYTHING!  This terrycloth lined cowl neck is perfection.  I think it would look great with a long sleeved t-shirt underneath as well.  It is called the Pahoehoe Flow Top and is $58 (comes in cream (my favorite) and grey).

The other lounge top that I am loving is called the Monthly Meet-up sweatshirt.  I LOVE the orange stripes.  It is super comfy and super flattering.  I have worn it with skinny jeans and boots, and it is quite fashionable (if I may say so myself!).  It comes in grey stripe and solid grey as well.  $78