Eyelet Green + Deco Jewels

Most days you can find me with my shirt tucked into a high-waisted skirt. I rarely tuck my shirt into my shorts, but these green ones with a fabric bow were too cute to hide under a shirt. The necklace also reminds me of one of my favorite design styles of the past, the Deco arts of the 1920's.

Green Eyelet Shorts (similar in blue) // White Sequin Tank // Black & White Cardigan (similar) // Gemstone Deco Necklace (similar in blue)

Little April Details

Arm Party: Marc by Marc Jacobs Rose Gold Henry Watch | Charlotte Russe Bracelets

Best Find: Thrifted Forever 21 Maxi Dress 

A simple yet adorable top with mesh collar picked up from the farmer's market

Stoked about scoring a classic Oscar de la Renta silk scarf

Delicate display of jewelry in my bedroom

What things made your day a little brighter this month?

I can't believe it's almost May! It'll be a year since I've graduated and a full year that I've been working at Reasons to Believe, time surely does fly.

Today I'm linking up with:

Peacoats and Plaid

Thrifters Anonymous

xo,

Elissa

April 2013 // Spending Report

Clothes

Old Navy Paisley Blue Shorts // $15 // I found these about 20% off in-store at the beginning of April, the pair I bought was less than the pair priced online.

Old Navy Mint Boat Shoes // $15 // Found these on sale in-store at the beginning of April as well. 

Forever 21 Lavender Skinnies  // $16 // I'm so tempted to buy every color, such an incredible price.

Forever 21 Peplum Zip Jacket // $20 // LOVE peplum, and love how versatile this jacket is.

Forever 21 Elephant Tank // $20 // Elephants? Sold. I had to buy this classic take on a novelty print. Not to mention is has gold studs up the back of the top!

Charlotte Russe Gemstone Necklace // $5 // Bought on sale with promo code. I'm absolutely loving the coral orange color.

Charlotte Russe Metallic Bow Sandals // $12.50 // Bought during sale earlier in the month. 

Urban Outfitters Macaron Box // $9 // I've been dying to have this adorable macaron jewelry box! I bought mine in a blush pink, but they are sold out of the color now. I also used a 10% off promo code: wackslacks expires 5/02/2013.

Coach Daisy Tote // $90 // I was on the hunt for another versatile black bag and the Coach Factory was having a MAJOR sale. Couldn't pass this beauty up!

Beauty

Clarisonic Mia // $100 // I had a 15% off code for Sephora and decided it was time to invest in a Clarisonic. I may do a review on it in the coming months.

Nars Powder // $28 // Discounted because of my 15% off code. I read rave reviews about this product and haven't gotten to use it much yet, though I hope it truly works wonders!

DiorShow Mascara // $21 // My favorite mascara brand of ALL TIME. Used 15% off code for this as well.

Mario Badescu Eye Cream // $18 // A fellow blogger said this cream worked wonders for her heavy under eye circles, I'm hoping she was right!

TOTAL: $369.50

Phew! I definitely spent quite a hunk of change this past month, and actually, April isn't even over yet! With that number in mind, I've decided to fast from shopping for the month of May. It's definitely needed. In the mean time I'll be saving up for my trip to Boston this summer and for my first DSLR camera. I could use all the encouragement a shopaholic can get, so please feel free to leave a comment! Have you ever done a shopping fast? 

The Luggage Room Pizzeria

My friend and I stumbled upon The Luggage Room pizzeria as we were snapping a few pictures by the old Del Mar train station in Pasadena. What was once the luggage room for the station in 1934, has become a laid-back pizza joint with a topping of class. The simple decor features giant chandeliers hanging from an exposed ceiling and vintage suitcases to welcome you through the entryway. I had a delicious burrata cheese (my new favorite topping of choice) pizza called Shattuck Ave. Definitely a great little spot for a lunch or dinner date on the weekend. I can't wait to go back try out more options!

xo,

Elissa

Four Favorites 4/24/2013

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

 I'm thinking of getting the adorable print above for my new office! It perfectly describes my mornings of editing and tea drinking at work. And how can you not love the Audrey Hepburn-esque eyelash blouse and cateye sunnies (which are a summer staple for me and only $4 on ModDeals.com). And let's just take a moment to admire this Samantha Wills Bardot ring ... it's a stunner and I hope it comes home to my jewelry box ASAP.

Today I'm linking up with Ashlyn of Let it Be Beautiful!
Happy hump day!

xo,
Elissa

Having Fun in Vintage

I scored these lipstick-red vintage heels a few weeks ago at a local thrift store. I was mostly thrilled about the adorable wave/scallop detailing on the side. It's simply charming. I'll be off to do more thrifting this weekend with my fabulous friend, Kate. Can't wait to share more great finds with you all! 

{All photos by Kate of Wear in LA}

Red Heels (thrifted) | Forever 21 Skinny Jeans | Forever 21 Cobalt Chain Purse (similar) | Ann Taylor Picnic Tank (similar) | Wet Seal Crystal Necklace (similar) | The LOFT Cardigan (similar)

xo,

Elissa

Mustache Monday

Mustache Top | Black Skinnies | Coral Bow Heels (similar) | Marc by Marc Jacobs Rose Gold Watch

Happy Monday! Mustaches seem silly, but incredibly awesome at the same time. Here are a few snapshots of me wearing an incredibly cozy top from one of my favorite cheap & chic online retailers, Mod Deals, complete with the perfect 'stache. {Photography by Kate of Wear in LA}

Today I'm linking up with...

Peacoats and Plaid GFC Collective

Thrifters Anonymous

YOLO Mondays

Covered in Grace: Monday Meetup

xo,

Elissa

Modern Day Glamour

More than anything, the one thing I envy about celebrities are their opportunities to wear incredible gowns on a regular basis. I admit, I've pranced around my apartment in a full ball gown before--but really, who hasn't? The recent Tiffany & Co. Blue Book Ball had me craving a moment of glamour, below is one of my favorite looks of the night. And like most other fashion-loving women, I'm anxiously awaiting the premiere of Gatsby. I stopped in my tracks when I saw Carey Mulligan in this month's issue of Vogue. 

{Kate Hudson in Reem Acra}

{Carey Mulligan on the May 2013 Vogue Cover}

There you have it. A touch of Art Deco and Old Hollywood glamour to send me off into the weekend. I'll be enjoying the sun in San Diego on Saturday and might stop by the beautifully blooming Carlsbad Flower Fields. One of my favorite SD destinations. Happy Friday! 

{Carlsbad Flower Fields}

xo, 

Elissa

My Favorite iPhone Photo Apps

Here is a round up of my top 4 favorite iPhone photo apps. The pictures below are all ones I have taken myself and represent how I've utilized each app's different features for various reasons. I hope you find this helpful! Which photo apps are your favorite? 

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

xo, 
Elissa

Vintage Skirts + Windy Days

Thrifted Blue Midi Skirt (similar) | NY & Co. Red Orange Top (similar) | Foreign Exchange Gold Rope Tan Belt (similar) | Shoe Dazzle Braided Heels (old) | Charlotte Russe Gold Bangles (similar) | Handmade Button Ring by Kate

Besides a casual pair of jeans and a floral top, my other go-to outfit is a high waisted skirt and structured blouse. I score the best vintage skirts at thrifted stores and consignment shops. Every time I find a new one, it feels like it was meant for me! I could envision this ladylike blue skirt a million different ways, but I thought adding the red orange top would be a warm contrast. 

It was a windy and overcast day in Pasadena, but my amazing blogger friend, Kate of Wear in LA, was able to snap these photos for me. Do you go weak in the knees at the sight of a vintage skirt also? 

SO many baby flyaway hairs!!!

Today I'm also linking up for a Bloglovin' Blog Hop here.

xo,

Elissa

Paying it Forward

{source}

Earlier this week I was reading a post by a blogger friend, Erin of Keep Calm & Sparkle. Inspired by the "Pay it Forward" movement, which encourages simple acts of kindness, Erin decided to participate, and after reading her post I enthusiastically agreed to be a part of it as well. 

I'm a huge lover of surprises, especially the ones that are thoughtful and true to who I am. Thus, I'd like to pay it forward to the few yet lovely readers that I have. I'm truly humbled by your sweet comments every single day. 

The first 3 people to leave me a comment with their email address will receive a response from me requesting an address. Sometime within the next few months I'll be sending you a small token of my appreciation, if you have a blog I can peruse, maybe it is one thing you've listed on your wishlist!

Everyday I'm inspired to live a life of conscious kindness and thoughtful actions. Though I might not always succeed, I'm thankful for this opportunity to do so! 

xo,

Elissa 

Four Favorites | Urbanog

Heels | Dress | Earrings | Skirt

This roundup of my four favorite items this week has GOT to be the best selection yet (so much for not spending $$ for a few weeks!). All these picks are from one of my favorite affordable online boutiques, URBANOG. I just found out they are based in Southern California, fairly close to me actually. 

In past purchases I've gotten shoes from URBANOG at incredibly low prices and I've always been pleased with the items once they arrive! They usally have promo codes available as well, you can find their daily deals here. From the cutout back of the little lace number above to the Lucite mint heel, their spring styles are drop-dead gorgeous. And everything featured above is under $40. Doesn't get much better than that.

I'm debating about what to buy ... which item do you think is a must-have?

xo,

Elissa

Linking up with Kristin at Fancy Things Blog today!

Review | The Dry Bar Pasadena

{Today my heart and prayers goes out to those in Boston. May our lives not be led by fear of these tragic events, but by God's grace, hope, and love instead.}

I was hooked on The Dry Bar's glamorous blowouts when my sis took me to the one in San Jose for my birthday last December. So, when my friend Kate of Wear in LA mentioned getting blowouts at the new location in Pasadena, I was all in (it's right next to Lemonade on S. Lake Avenue). I'm actually a cheap-o when it comes to treating myself to spa treatments or a day of pampering ... mainly because I tend to save my money for clothes, of course. 

However, lately I've realized the importance of gifting myself a day of R&R at least once a month (The standard wash+blowout price is $35). {The Dry Bar even offers "Bar Tab" membership packages that save you some money if you decide to make it a monthly ritual.}

{Kate and I post blowouts!}

The Pasadena location (which opened December 2012) is significantly larger than the bar in San Jose. This location had both front and back stations for blowouts, a room dedicated to hair washing, and a VIP styling room if you'd like some extra-special attention (unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to take pictures of all the gorgeous rooms in this lovely salon, but trust me it's all stunning). I was told the crisp white and bright yellow decor was created to feel like you were stepping into someone's welcoming, yet well designed home. Not to mention the service and extra bonuses (like free drinks served up by the accommodating "bartenders" and the girly flick playing while you get your hair styled), which add to the comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.

{Above: As I sat down in my chair, Breakfast at Tiffany's had just started, which made my experience that much more enjoyable!}

Gary Domasin is a seasoned Dry Bar professional--having worked at both their Santa Monica and West Hollywood locations, before adding his work to the vibrant life at Dry Bar Pasadena. As I sat down, he was sweet enough to compliment how "gorgeous and thick" my hair was, and took his time to make sure my "Cosmotai" style came out just as it should. I was so appreciative of the extra time (and muscles!) he spent blow drying and adding the finishing touches. Thank you so much, Gary! You can check out more of his amazing work and book an appointment with him here.

{I just had to add this picture of a handmade ring Kate gave me the other day. She has a love for vintage Chanel-like style and makes lovely jewelry that you can find and purchase here.}


{The back view of my 'do. Photography by Kate of Wear in LA}

If you live in the Pasadena area, do your hair and yourself a favor by booking an appointment at The Dry Bar. I'm on the third day of my blowout, and my hair still has major volume and a slight curl. Anytime I can get away without washing my hair for a few days is fine by me.

Have you been to The Dry Bar? If so, which style did you get?

xo,

Elissa

Linking up with Confessions of a Northern Belle today!