:: BEAUTY :: My Essentials

I'm a product junky when it comes to beauty and makeup.  I don't like to hoard -- I actually prefer to be as minimal as possible when it comes to my beauty routine -- but I will try product after product until I find the one that's just right.  After years and years of trying almost everything under the sun, I've found a few products that I simply can't live without.

1. {Heritage Store Castor Oil}

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2. {Bragg Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil}

After reading this post on the Oil Cleansing Method for skin, I was determined that cleansing with oil would be the answer for my congested, but clear skin.  I went with the 50/50 castor + olive oil combo and so far have no complaints.  My skin is amazingly soft after cleansing, but I haven't necessarily noticed any major changes in my pores.  I'll continue to use the OCM because I feel like it's just healthier for my skin than a cleanser and it does a heck of a job removing makeup.

3. {J.Crew Paisley Makeup Case}

For my portable beauty essentials that I take along in my purse, I wanted something small and stylish.  This is one is J.Crew.  Enough said.

4. {Kuumba Made Oriental Musk Oil}

I've always wanted to be one of those women whose scent is like a natural extension of her aura, but obviously not in an overpowering, skunky kind of way.  This scent does just that -- I get compliment after compliment on it from men and women.  It's soft, feminine, and earthy, and because it's an oil and not a parfum, it's like it just sinks into your skin and becomes a part of you.

5. {Avalon Organics Vitamin C Lip Balm}

The only lip balm I've found that delivers long-lasting moisture.  It's made with minimal processing, and contains good-for-you ingredients, including coconut oil, which my lips drink up.  I'm admittedly obsessed and can't live without it.

6. {Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation}

This mineral foundation is light enough that I don't feel heavily made up when wearing it, but it allows me to build coverage when needed.  Though on the pricey side, the small tube lasts me about 3-4 months because I only need a little at a time.  Also comes in a versatile selection of shades.

7. {Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara}

Since I switched to this mascara, which I've been using for a while now because I haven't found anything better, I sometimes get asked if I'm wearing fake eyelashes.  Granted I do put on about 4 coats, but this macara is great for building tons of volume with each application.

8. {Gillette Men's Razor}

I was turned onto dermaplaning (aka, yes, shaving my face) after a recent facial where this was one of the many treatments they preformed on me.  While it does remove the hair on your face, the main goal is to remove the dry, dead skin that can clog up your pores and rough up your complexion.  My facialist suggested that I take the practice home with me for maximum exfoliation, so I use this men's razor (designed for the face) at home.  It's not as simple as your boyfriend's morning shave though(i.e., no need for shaving cream and techniques to prevent shaving off an eyebrow!), so you should test it out and consult with a professional first before trying at home.

9. {Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel}

Witch hazel has long been used to sooth and restore skin tone.  The rose petal version not only smells beautiful, but just feels fantastic on my skin and has naturally antiseptic properties.  Great for toner, after the sun, or just to give yourself a refresher.

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:: HOME :: Gilded Glamour

Both my sister and I have been fans of gold accents for a while now.  We even both stocked up on the incredible Altazurra for Target cocktail sets.  Her beautiful two-story home is probably better equipped to hold a cocktail party than my shoebox apartment, but they're nice to look at nonetheless.

In the spirit of displaying my new glassware as another touch of gold to my ever evolving decor, I wanted to feature some other gilded finds that add a touch of glamour to your home too.

1. {Arteriors Jana Brass/ Marble Adjustable Desk Lamp}

2. {Acrylic + Gold Stapler}

3. {Eclectic Candles by Tom Dixon}

4. {Golden Animal Magnets}

5. {Sharon Sides Acid Etched Metal Stump Chair}

6. {Meier Ferrer Zoid Console}

7. {Anthropologie Painted Bias Armchair}

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:: FASHION :: Designer Spotlight | Erdem

via Erdem.com

Make no mistakes about it: I am head over heels for Erdem.  The line, named after Canadian-born designer Erdem Moralioglu, is one of the freshest things to come along in some time.  Having quite the resume, including a stint with none other than Diane Von Furstenberg (no wonder I like him so much!) and winner of the 2010 BFC/Vogue Fashion Fund award, he's definitely earned his place as one of today's most talked about designers.  It may also have something to do with his approach for designing his line.  In 2011, Vogue UK's Dolly Jones quoted the designer: "I never think about what's sexy," he has said. "I don't agonise over whether her bum will look big in something. I focus on the silhouettes and the proportions and hope that takes care of everything."  I think it's safe to say that silhouettes and proportion do take care of everything else when it comes to the line.  And Hollywood's starlets would tend to agree.

Keira Knightley arrived at the LA premiere of Anna Karenina looking absolutely perfect in a gown custom designed by Erdem, inspired by his Spring 2013 collection.

via RCFA.com

Other stars have also been photographed by the handfuls wearing Erdem to various events, including Sienna Miller in one of my 2013 Golden Globes favorites.

via InStyle.com

via InStyle.com

Be on the lookout for more incredibly fresh and feminine pieces from Erdem.  And if you have the budget to afford a piece (or more) from the collection, do us working girls a fav and snag one!  Wear it to a gala, or a wedding.  Hell, wear it to the grocery store.  Just enjoy it for us.

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:: STYLE :: Icon | Miroslava Duma

If you follow me on Pinterest, you know I have an uber crush (obesssion?) with one of the fashion world's favorite style mavens: Miroslava Duma.  Even her name is devine!

The Russian beauty is founder of style website Buro 24/7 and has been setting the style scene abuzz with her impecable fashion.  Not to mention her striking beauty.  She's equal parts fresh-faced innocence and smoldering glamour goddess. The woman is simply perfection in my eyes.

But aside from her outwardly appearance, Miroslava is an inspiration in many ways.  She's got an amazing, expanding career under her belt.  She's a go getter and a risk taker.  When asked about her personal style in a hapersbazaar.com article, Miroslava responded, "Experimental... There's a Russian saying that I live by, 'The one who doesn’t try anything doesn't make mistakes.'"

So hats off to you, Miss Duma!  May your style transcend mere fashion inspiration and be that of personal exploration and motivation as well.

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:: FASHION :: In My Closet - January 2013

I'm a shopper.  Always have been, always will be.  These days, with all my free time and time spent on the internet, it's inevitable that I would occasionally (ahem*frequently*ahem) wonder off to both online and store-front retailers when I needed a break from the job hunt and other business matters.  They say you should give your brain a quick break every 15 minutes to stay your most productive and keep yourself from zoning out.  Ok, I may have made up the 15 minute rule to make myself feel better about the fact that I can barely focus on anything longer than that.  But bottom line, everyone knows you should indulge every once in a while to avoid getting burned out.

Below are some of the latest additions to my closet; my form of indulgence when I'm feeling in a rut or like I'm starting to go crazy.  I've been focused on getting both pieces that are versatile for everyday wear, plus some career pieces that keep me motivated to find the perfect job.  Mom, if you're reading this, it was all on sale...

1. {Hive & Honey rectangular and pyramid stud earring}

2. {Hive & Honey three row cuff bracelet}

3. {J.Crew bow coat}

4. {J.Crew tuxedo pencil skirt}

5. {J.Crew collection skirt in rush hour}

6. {B Brian Atwood Lenoire metallic fringe sandal}

7. {Sparrow french stripes maxi sweater skirt}

8. {Aldo Theorise bootie}

9. {Forever21 studded utility jacket}

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:: FASHION :: The Golden Globes, 2013

The red carpet at last night's Golden Globes was chock-a-block full of surprises.  While the individual fashions provided more variety than most years, there was an overwhelming repetition of trends.  A surprising amount of starlets wore their hair worn down this year; if not in the old Hollywood, cascading waves style, then in a full, voluminous blow out.  There was also a shocking return of Angelina Jolie's uber slit from last year's Oscars, or as some have dubbed it, "leg bombing."

Overall, I think the risks paid off more than those who played it safe.  Below are my favorite looks from last night, including risk-takers and simple beauties.

Who were your favorites?

{all photos via RCFA.com}

Sienna Miller in Erdem

Nicole Ritchie in Naeem Kahn

Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen

Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka

Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta

Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior

Jessica Chastain in Calvin Klein

Anne Hathaway in Chanel Couture

:: HOME :: Fabulous Finds

If you're in the market for some new home furnishings, I hope today's Fabulous Finds offer a source of inspiration, starting with West Elm's Ryder Rocking Chair (below), one item from their Furniture Flea.  Now is a great time to take advantage of their sale and invest in those key pieces you've been on the hunt for.  Scour their floor models (in store only), plus new markdowns and final clearance prices online for up to 70% off!

{ryder rocking chair via west elm}

{tps mint file cabinet via cb2}

{eiffel leather chair in mineral via crate & barrel}

{kavari 3-door cabinet via crate & barrel}

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:: LIFE :: Cable TV Premiere Week

Along with the perks of being unemployed -- an open-ended schedule, guilt-free lazy days and rush hour avoidance -- there comes moments of pure, absolute boredom as well.  The problem with not working when everyone else is, is that you rarely have a companion to enjoy your free time with.  So when all the laundry, shopping, cooking and cleaning is done, you find yourself doing unspeakable things to pass the time, like browser-window shopping for hours on end, alphabetizing your pantry, and watching whatever millionaire, hillbilly marathon is on cable.  Fortunately, when the marathons happen to be of some of your favorite shows, you feel much less ashamed and you start becoming absorbed into the made-up reality of the show.  I mean, who doesn't pretend they've just been summoned by the dressing gong at Downton Abbey?

Speaking of Downton Abbey, I have to admit I'm a late comer to the opulent Yorkshire drama.  When I heard the third season was premiering last Sunday, I hastily acquired a Hulu+ account and began catching up on the first two seasons.  I've just begun the second season, and should be completely caught up to the new season by next week.  Everyone was right: it's ridiculously good!  I'm actually going to be sad when I'm caught up and have to wait a week between episodes.

However after this weekend, I'll have plenty of my other favorites to keep my occupied.  Premiering this Sunday are some of my absolute favorite shows: Shameless and House of Lies on Showtime, and Girls on HBO.  If you haven't had a chance to check out any of these yet, you're not yet too far behind and I highly recommend that you hop on it!

Shameless and House of Lies are not for the faint of heart, nor for the square.  Both shows are dark, gritty and disturbingly hilarious, and both portray exaggerated realities that many of would have a hard time identifying with.  Shameless follows the struggles of a quasi-orphaned family of six kids desperately trying to pay their bills via sometimes, well, shameless means, while their dead-beat, addict father alienates the entire city of Chicago, including his kids.  House of Lies takes you into the back-stabbing world of management consultants, who live large and unapologetically screw each other over, and just screw each other.  It's kind of a mind-F to watch them back to back, as they are aired, but I suggest it anyway ;).

{via sho.com}

{via sho.com}

Girls is a satirical comedy about four, young -- you guessed it -- girls living in NYC.  Rather on the extreme opposite end of the spectrum from Sex and the City, these girls are less about being fabulous and finding Mr. Right, and more about being unabashedly willing to make mistakes while finding their place in the world.  The cast is superb and Lena Dunhamn writes some funny shit.  Period.  Watch it.

Already a fan of Girls?  You'll most definitely enjoy this special little treat from Joanna Goddard's Q&A with the costume designer on Girls, featured on A Cup of Jo this Tuesday.

{via A Cup of Jo}

Get your glasses of vino ready -- Sunday is going to be a big night!

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:: FASHION :: 80s Theme Party Outift

A friend of mine is having a birthday bash this weekend, which just happens to be 80s themed.  Now, if you know anything about me, you know that my musical appreciation cut-off date is roughly 1984.  Not that everything post-1984 is terrible, but I personally resonate more with older music.  The early 80s still produced some great gems, but after '84... well, it gets a little rough.  But as a whole, I would say the decade brought us some of the best hair-tossing, finger-snapping, maniac-on-the-run dance music of all time.  I don't know about you, but I can (and have) danced to 80s music for hours on end.

Naturally, we're supposed to attend the party donned in some sort of 80s attire.  People usually got straight for the most offensive fashions of the 80s, including Day-Glo spandex, crimped (fried) hair, fingerless lace gloves and pegged jeans.  But I know the 80s had better days than that.  Sure, the gang from St. Elmo's Fire made some questionable choices.  But I dare say that the kids from Ferris Bueller's Day Off and The Breakfast Club were quite ahead of their time.  We also can't forget about the truly fabulous style icons of the 80s, such as Brooke Shields, Grace Jones, Princess Diana, Debbie Harry and Bianca Jagger.  

Alas, due to my relatively new budget restrictions and not wanting to buy anything too costumey that I wouldn't get additional wear out of, I decided to look for party attire no further than my own closet.  Having serendipitously just purchased a muscle tee with one of my all-time favorite classic rock bands plastered on the front, it proved to be all I needed for my outfit's inspiration....

For Those About to Rock -- AC/DC, 1982

clockwise from top left...

* chan luu draped chain necklace

* ac/dc 1982 tank

* h&m neon statement necklace

* banana republic grey skinny jean

* nine west love fury pump

* day trip crinkle wash moto vest

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:: FASHION :: 24 Hour Sale!

If you've been needing to stock up on denim, great basics, or a pair of staple shoes, now's the time to do it!  And quick! (Note: Purely frivolous shopping not excluded.)

For today only, get 30% off at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy, or get 35% off when you use your Gap, Banana or Old Navy card.  Also for today only, 20% off at Piperlime.

Enter code 24HOURS at checkout to get your discount on great finds like these...

Offer valid on Banana Republic, Gap and Old Navy merchandise purchased online from 1/8/2013 at 12:00 AM ET through 1/8/2013 at 11:59 PM ET in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico)

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:: HOME :: Let There Be Light

There are a few objects of decor that, no matter how many I personally own, I can't stop looking for more of.  It could be the perfectionist side of me, or the shopaholic side, or maybe even FOMO (fear of missing out), but I'm apparently obsessed with looking for pillows, rugs, bedding and lighting.  I'm sure this illness stretches far beyond just those categories, but for the sake of today's finds, I'll focus on some fabulous lighting that just happens to be on sale at one of my favorite, heaven-on-earth stores: Anthropologie.

These amazing creations appear to pull inspiration from a combination of the Industrial Revolution and Alice and Wonderland, and I love them!

Kerplunk Bell Jar Lamp

{Anthropologie}

Magnifying Glass Floor Lamp

{Anthropologie}

Trinket Lamp

{Anthropologie}

While the above illuminations are just slightly outside of my current budget, the below shade fits quite comfortably within and has me contemplating a new purchase.  All three colors are to die for, but for the sake of not disturbing my current decor (which I finally just settled on, after two years), I'd probably have to go with either the grey or chartreuse.

Cinched Fringe Shade

{Anthropologie}

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:: LIFE:: My! My! How the Time Flies!

Funny thing happens when someone with self-diagnosed ADD starts a blog...  Something else usually comes along and demands whatever attention is left in the reserve.  And so I find myself here: attempting to resuscitate my blog after two years and eight months of being in a social coma.  Whether it was my blog of myself in the actual coma is debatable, so let's forgo the technicalities and move on what really matters.

What the hell have I been up to since my last post, you ask?  If you're completely new to :: a girl in the life :: and/or didn't know a thing about me two and half years ago, I recommend catching up by reading my first post.  Though many of the details have drastically changed since then, the voice is still a surprisingly accurate depiction of who I am today.  I say "surprisingly" because I feel as though every year of my 20s has been rife with personal transformation and revolution.  All good, of course, even if the means to get to this point hasn't always been fun.  But I'm pleased to find that I'm still the same ol' girl at heart.

Now as far as those details though...

I am happy to announce that shortly after I stopped posting the last time around, I did, in fact, make the move from my parents' house in San Jose to the amazing city of San Francisco, where I have a cozy studio apartment all to myself.  Although small, it's in a beautiful 1900s building with that undeniable San Francisco charm, and I'm in the same neighborhood as the historical Painted Ladies (yep, that's my a view from my block).  A couple of the major selling points for me were the two walk-in closets.  Unfortunately, my wardrobe and shoes still prove to produce containment challenges.  It might have something to do with that pesky shopping problem and the ever-growing inventory, but I really think people just need to be making closets bigger.

The most recent big life change is that I'm newly unemployed.  I had been working for an amazing company for the last two and half years, where unfortunately things started to go awry for my department and I was laid off.  To sum it up, I'll just say this: politics, egos, shady practices, egos, pathetic managers, EGOS, and pusses.  I'm not a "yes man," or someone who let's slackers get away with shenanigans, so I wasn't surprised when the news was delivered.  While I loved what I did and most of the people I worked with, my job had become a major downer and was sapping my energy in more areas of my life than I had realized.  So it was really the best thing that could have happened, and I am SO enjoying my free time.  Hence, my blog revival!

Last but not least, I am single again.  Again, shortly after that last post, my ex and I called it quits as a result of being in a long distance relationship and generally just being on different pages.  It was a rough period for me, and I went through so many phases during the first few months.  I found some ways to distract myself, which led to some interesting experiences... But all it all, I've learned a lot about myself and relationships in general and I have my ex to thank for being a major contribution to my personal growth.  He's still living in Texas so we don't ever see each other, but we communicate occasionally and I would definitely consider him a friend.

So here I am today, with a total freedom and a world of possibilities in front of me.  It's funny how sometimes the things that are out of our control or that are not as we planned are the things that end up having the biggest, positive impact on our lives.  I've found that to be a major trend in my life, and somehow I've always managed to come out doing better than before.  I recently came across this print, which I immediately ordered because I felt it pretty much hit the nail on the head.  I'm filled with nothing but excitement as we kick off the new year and I get to discover what challenges await me!

Stay tuned while I tune up :: a girl in the life :: and begin to deliver, yet again, some little bits from this girl's life, along with things that I find inspirational, fun and fabulous from others.  Happy New Year!