New Beginning: Welcome 2014

Hi everyone, Happy New Year! Here's my first post of 2014, super exciting!

2013 was filled with so much up and down -- definitely a lot of positives, which includes starting my C&S blog. It's always a blessing to be able to do what you love -- I love writing/documenting and style/beauty/fashion -- so it's been truly a fun ride blogging about what I enjoy so much.

Here's a glimpse at my relaxing weekend in San Diego. What a way to kick off 2014 with a bit of R&R. So rested and ready to take on what 2014 has to offer. My new year's resolution: take risks and finish what I start. I have the tendency to take on various projects but notoriously never finish =) Hence, the "finish what I start." 

What are your new year's resolutions? Please submit in comments below or email me directly on topics you'd like to see me cover this year.

cheers, julie

(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles; follow me on instagram)

Beautiful lobby @ Park Hyatt Aviara in San Diego. One of my favorite go to spots for a quick weekend getaway!

Delicious dessert @ Argyle Steak House -- it's called "My Favorite Chocolate Cake" -- it's easily become my fave choco cake! Mmm

Outfit

Shirt: Jcrew (similar here), American Apparel

Skirt: Zara (similar here)

Jacket: Madewell (similar here)

Bag: Balenciaga

Shoes: Madewell, Converse

Weekly Obsessions: Houndstooth

Hi guys, hope you all had a great week and yes, it's Friday! :) LA weather has been awfully cold (yes high 50s/low 60s is like Alaska weather to me). It's doing crazy things to my skin -- will do a post next week on how to stay in top notch shape in this dry, cold winter weather.

I'm currently obsessing over everything houndstooth print. Really loving the simple cropped black sweater with houndstooth pencil skirt from American Apparel. Simple, classic, and sort of reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn look. Love!

Have a great weekend, xo

cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)

photo credit: americanapparel

Weekly Obsessions

Hi guys, happy black friday! I apologize for being a bit absent from my blog the last week - a lot of personal matters to sort through, but I am back!! =) Thanks to those who commented/emailed me with requests on topics to keep this blog thing going. You have really kept me inspired to focus on bringing useful, relevant, fashion content. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I decided to skip in-store black friday shopping this year (especially with the rain in LA) - but thinking of doing some online shopping. What about you guys? Any good deals? Please tell me in the comments below!

cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)

a) Seriously these Vivienne Westwood booties with leopard bow combination is beyond chic and adorable.
b) Kind of obsessing over gel nail art - pops of color, polka dots, bow, etc. 3D art makes the nails look incredible and festive =)
c) Best way to take off glitter nail polish - love this trick!
d) With my shorter hair, I found that curling your hair with a flat iron has been quick & easy.
e) What is Christmas without a bit of magic at Disneyland?! :) Can't wait to go this year.

photo credit: farfetch, sweetnailart, refinery29, disneyland

Weekly Obsessions

Hi guys, thank god it's finally Friday. It has been one of the longer weeks for me. My obsessions this week range across number of things, mostly taking me into the Winter season (even though it's been quite warm in LA). Have a fabulous weekend! xo

cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)

a. If only I can add all 27 places as a must destinations to my bucket list. These places are just so amazing.
b. Isabel Marant for H&M aftermath - did you guys partake in the "grab now, decide later" approach?
c. Jcrew's new winter catalog has some amazing photos in the snow - this is officially getting me ready for the cold winter season with style.
d. Completely obsessed with this Madewell car coat in royal blue. My current favorite item in my wardrobe! Will post outfit photo soon :)
e. Selena Gomez has really upped her style game - loving her tie dye look.

photocredit: buzzfeed, luckymag, jcrew, madewell, whowhatwear

Food Adventure in Downtown LA

Hi guys! Super long over due post - hope you guys have been well! Wanted to share some snapshots from the past weekend @ downtown LA in Chinatown. I love all the delicious spots in Chinatown, so try to make it a point to get out there as often as possible. Dim sum, desserts, pastries (egg tarts, sesame balls!!), so on and so forth. Weekends call for casual, relaxed outfits but still put together - my go to staple outfit for the weekend: button up top, distressed skinny jeans, and ray ban aviators :) Simple, casual, relaxed look - my favorite look. Enjoy! 

cheers, julie

(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)

Outfit

Shirt: Madewell (similar here)

Jeans: Paige (similar here)

Bag: American Apparel L'epicier Tote

Necklace: Custom rose gold chain

Sunglasses: Rayban Aviator

Beanie Weather

Hi guys! Yes, it's finally beanie weather! Can you feel my excitement? :) Well, LA weather has been a bit everywhere these days.. cold in the morning, hot in the daytime, and cold yet again at night! Doesn't matter - because I am bringing out my beanies and cozying it up! :) Beanies for me equate to beginning of the Holiday season, makes me want to get my warm blanket out with a hot cup of coffee/tea and get a nice reading in. Or pop in a holiday movie or two (my favorite: Home Alone 1 & 2, especially Lost in NY!)

Here are my picks of my favorite beanies of the moment that are on my "wishlist" -- definitely worth the money if you're looking for "THE BEANIE" for this season. You will get quite the use out of them, as beanies can dress down your dressy holiday look, all the while making your outfit comfy and chic at the same time. You will get your money's worth! Will post next week on some affordable alternatives as well if you're looking for options that may not break the bank - so please tune in next week! xoxo

cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)

1. Eugenia Kim Marley Slouchy Hat ($188)
2. Eugenia Kim Felix Knit Cap ($160)
3. Wommelsdorff Talis Beanie ($265)
4. SungHee Bang Rodney Beanie ($235)
5. Rag & Bone Cara Beanie ($195)
6. Steven Alan Cashmere Beanie ($98)

Weekly Obsessions

Hi guys! TGIF! My obsessions this week really range from multiple array things - check it out below! :) Have a fabulous weekend - I'll be enjoying a quick vacay up in Carmel/Big Sur area, so updates of my trip to come via instagram!

cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)

a. Power of simple H2O; I can proudly say that keeping hydrated changed my skin for the better as well.
b. This is really taking me back to the 90s H.O.T // GOD days, but looking forward to 2AM's first US concert in LA in December! Go Kpop - gotta support it!
c. I am digging the Fall/almost-Winter looks with tights of all kinds - everything from sheer to opaque, solid to prints!
d. Fall/Winter season isn't the same without beanies - love love beanies with everything these days!
e. Currently obsessed with Dita Condor aviators - totally want to add this to my Dita collection. :)

photo credit: refinery29, powerhouselive, whowhatwear, polyvore, shopbop

Over the Knee Boots

Hi guys! Hope your week is off to a great start. I am really digging the Fall weather in LA - it literally is sweater weather these days. What better way to welcome the sweater weather than with an over-the knee boots?! I love over the knee boots in leather, suede, heeled, flat, riding boots - you name it! They are SO versatile and you can dress up/down your look any way you please with these boots. And might I add, they keeps you relatively warm since they do cover your knees and come up pretty high vs. your standard boots. 

Here are a few of my tips on how you can pull off this look this Fall/Winter :) Enjoy! xo

cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)

1. Pair it with a Simple Dress

This look is effortless with solid colored and/or simple patterned dress. Pair is with suede or basic leather boots -- which works just as well during daytime as it will at night time. This can work very well for an office look, dinner date with your significant other, and/or just catching up with your girlfriends over coffee/tea!

2.Keep it Comfy in Leggings

 

Keep is casual, cozy yet put together by pairing your boots with leggings and a warm vest! You can actually do a chunky sweater in lieu of the vest if you'd like -- this will go for a similar cozy, comfy feel. This look for sure calls for a Fall/Winter getaway... why not look chic on your vacay?! :)

3. Casual Chic in Tee & Shorts

 You can definitely rock this boyfriend tee + denim shorts look during the Fall (or even Spring), while it's still "warm" enough. Love the look of camel/tan boots, with matching handbag. Even without the matching bag, the look of camel/tan boots gives it a more earthy, natural, comfy vibe. Perfect juxtaposition of casual/chic.

4. Blazer it with Skinny Jeans

This last look is the easiest and very flattering on almost all body types - pair your boots with your favorite pair of skinny jeans (any color - dark, light, black, colored) along with simple shirt (you can keep it solid or go with pattern, as Kate Moss does it here), and structured blazer = voila! This is by far my favorite look, as it can go day & night, and you look SO put together but do it easily so :)

photo credit: fabsugar,pumpsandiron,denimology

Weekly Obsessions

Hi guys - TGIF, keeping this short today, as I have been super under the weather :( Have an awesome weekend -- check my instagram for updates during the weekend, xo.

cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)

a) There's something about the 90s that I'm so nostalgic for - the music, style, fashion, colors, and even TV shows.
b) Fall travel destination for me? Big Sur next week! Love this guide as a prep for my vacay comin' up.
c) It's incredible how Korea has become one of the global fashion-forward spots, evident by Seoul Fashion Week - featuring popular Korean designer collections such as J Apostrophe, Steve J & Yoni P, and more.
d) And so it begins... all you instagram lovers, get ready for your first taste of sponsored ads.
e) Think you have the best Halloween costume in mind? Think not - this kid's LED costume beats all of yours!

Jewelry District Fun

Hi guys! I love good pops of color, and my mind was blown when I visited Jewelry District in LA with my best friend who's a fabulous jewelry designer :)  She had to pick up some supplies, so I was just there as a side kick - but my goodness, the amount of beads, crystals, jewels in an eclectic color selection, in all sizes you can possibly imagine. It truly was an incredible experience, checking out these stores and being wowed at every corner!! 

I am going to make it a point to follow her along next time and pick up some DIY supplies of my own. Love being surrounded by creative people -- it drives my creativity, inspires me to try things I haven't before (even if I may not be the best at it!)

A wall full of beautiful turquoise beads in so many different shapes and sizes!

Of course, gotta end the day with some strawberry shaved ice @ Caffe Bene! <3

cheers, julie

(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)

Outfit

Shirt: Madewell (here and here)

Shorts: Abercrombie (similar here)

Bag: American Apparel L'epicier Tote

Sandals: Havaianas

Necklaces: Custom rose gold + Tiffany & Co