Weekly Obsessions

Hi everyone, HAPPY FRIDAY - TGIF foreals! I am super stoked for the weekend - heading up to SF for Labor Day weekend! I'm already packed & ready to go in casual, relaxed & fun outfits (see previous post here on my Labor Day essentials). Follow me on instagram on the latest on my weekend - will include outfit pics + my adventures up in SF! Have a wonderful weekend, all!

cheers, julie

(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles)

a. I am obsessing over this Madewell leather jacket - already in pre-fall mode... check out next week on my picks on leather trends/must haves!

b. Counting the days until H&M + Isabel Marant collaboration in Nov - but hopefully we see something like this

c. Big Brown Bag Sales @ Bloomingdales - shall I say more??

d. One of my favorite teas is from Lupicia, current favorite Muscat is (Japanese grape). MMM!

e. Just checked out Molton Brown store in South Coast Plaza - I wanted everything from candles to body lotions to perfumes - Nordstrom offers a good travel kit to try out a bit of everything

Red Fierce Hot

Hi everyone, there's something about red shoes that trigger many things: classy, sexy, fun, bold, timeless. You can pair pretty much anything in your wardrobe with a nice pop of red shoes (distressed/ripped jeans, boyfriend jeans, skinny/boot-cut jeans, dress - both casual & dressy, etc). I'm really loving this pick of red pumps & booties - Lanvin & Giuseppe Zanotti always make classy pieces but definitely more on the "wishful list" side (a girl can dream, right?). I love the studs on the McQ piece! If only I can have them all in my closet for this Fall... :)

cheers, julie

(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles)

1. Lanvin layered satin platform pump ($890)

2. Giuseppe Zanotti cutout ankle bootie ($1,095)

3. Dolce Vita beryl ankle bootie ($189)

4. Alice + Olivia dina suede pumps ($295)

5. McQ Alexander McQueen studded suede platform pumps ($560)

Labor Day Weekend Essentials

American Apparel gym bag, Madewell chambray shirt, American Apparel cropped white tee, American Apparel high-waste floral shorts (similar here), American Apparel linen sun dress, Madewell scarf, Free People bandeau (similar here), Anthropologie beaded sandals (also on previous post here), Jacques Levine wedges 

Hi everyone, happy Wednesday! Today I wanted to provide a sneak peek at what I'm packing for the upcoming Labor Day weekend :) I am notorious for packing LIGHT for any trips - and I am headed to SF for the weekend, and got everything to fit in my American Apparel gym bag (aka my staple travel bag for any weekend trips). 

Day 1 look: Hodge podge of simple white tee mixed with floral high wasted shorts. Chambray shirts are GREAT as an additional layer in case of any night breeze. Paired with my current favorite wedge that ties up!

Day 2 look: Dusty rose (love the color) linen sun dress that is PERFECT for the summer, with a fun scarf to keep warm when it's chilly. Paired with my favorite beaded sandals (I've been talking about this in many previous posts!)

Excited for the long weekend - what are you guys packing? :)

cheers, julie

(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles)

Summer of Mangoes

 photo source: cafemangosix.com

Hi everyone, I had a chance to check out Mango Six - a Korean style cafe with specialty juice, coffee, boba tea, and dessert. What they are really known for is the Mango juice with coconut milk (hence the name - MANGO six). This Korean-based chain opened this past weekend on August 22nd - and according to Eater LA, this is the first US location on 3rd street (between La Cienega & 3rd). Great spot to grab delightful mango juice after a morning run (along with many other iterations like mango juice with watermelon slush, mango juice with purple boba, mango juice with mango jelly - you get the idea - gets very creative with mango!) - as well as quick bites like sandwiches, salads, wraps, and more. Super cute interior and comfortable & relaxed outside area for catch up with friends, post morning run stop, weekend coffee run with your dog. :)

Chantecaille SPF 50 Primer, Stila waterproof liquid eyeliner in black, Sephora retractable waterproof eyeliner in black, Estee Lauder Brow Pencil in soft brown, Guerlain Rouge L'Extrait in Paresse (also on my previous post)

On a different note - NCAA season kicks off this Thursday on August 29th - GO BRUINS! Only time of the year where I have some school spirit. Gotta root for my alma mater.

cheers, julie

(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkes)

Pretty in Yellow

 

anthropologie sweater (similar here and here), abercrombie & fitch plaid shorts (similar here), jcrew necklace 

(also here on my previous post)

Hi everyone, hope your weekend was wonderful. Great weather again here in LA - cooler in the South Bay area with some breeze, but VERY hot in OC where I spent bulk of the weekend. I love dressing super casual during the higher temperatures (high in LA to me is anything 78 degrees+!) Good way to "dress up" a casual look is with a pop of color. For me, bright yellow top always gets me feeling good, comfortable and relaxed. Perfect weekend look for me is a soft oversized pullover/sweater with a pop of color + fun shorts + chunky necklace with a sparkle.

For my weekend look - I paired a bright yellow sweater from Anthropologie with plaid shorts from A&F, along with Jcrew necklace. You can get a similar look from Free People - they have an awesome selection of pullover/sweaters that are extremely soft & oversized. Perfect for wearing a bandeau underneath, shorts (mid rise or high rise for a slim-fitting look), jeweled necklace, and you're good to go!

Weekly Obsessions

Hi everyone,

Happy Friday! I am so amazingly excited for the weekend - hoping to relax in the warm & sunny weather in LA. Maybe squeeze in a quick shopping or two - we'll see :) Follow me on my instagram on the latest outfit posts + weekend updates. I'll be posting more frequently on my instagram over the weekend. Have a FABULOUS weekend, guys!

cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles)

a) The ONE classic bag that's on my bucket list is Celine Luggage bag, really in any size. Fall 2013 collection in Spazzolato Calfskin Black is a dream. Spazzolato = polished leather with a high shine (not quite patent leather). This leather wears well and will soften over time (celine.com)
b) You can pre-shop H&M Autumn Paris Show Collection online before it hits stores on Sept 5th. I can foresee this being a hit - ranging from feminine & delicate sequin dresses to modern bohemian feel looks... (hm.com)
c) DOs and DON'Ts of Fall 2013 Fashion Trends will keep you up to speed on what to do vs what NOT to do this Fall (glamour.com)
d) Does the color of the next iPhone make a difference to you at all? What do you guys think of the rumored GOLD iphone? (mashable.com)
e) Internet community has gone wild - our very own Ben Affleck is the next... (drum roll please)... batman (wah wah wah). Do you think he will out-do Mr. Bale? (buzzfeed.com)

Feeling Striped

 Saw this dress @ Anthopologie and had to get it. It has the perfect stripes that is actually flattering on the body, and 

mixed with fun, subtle colors @ the bottom of the dress that add a playful character to the black & white stripes. 

Oh, and better yet - it's on sale, under $80. Just add beaded flat sandals (also here on my previous post) + @jcrew chunky sparkly jewelry = you are all set.

Hi everyone, hope you guys are all hanging in there - it's almost Friday!

I'm keeping today's post short & sweet - compilation of what's on my mind today...

Clockwise

a) My dog Noodle falling asleep in the car on the way home from vet appointment. Must be tough being a dog...

b) Noodle got a rare pleasure of sleeping with me on my bed... oh the life of a poodle...

c) Can you tell I love good lighting? A shot of a random street during my Portland trip. Perfectly lit street with 

bubbly circle lamps. Love everything about this picture.

d) This beautifully ornate architecture of a hotel building in Barcelona made me want to go back, so badly.

Loved the energy of Barcelona...and the soccer of course. FCBarcelona!!

If James Bond Wore Lipstick

Hi everyone,

It's every girl's dilemma - picking the perfect everyday lipstick color. I honestly go through phases of how I define "everyday" - nude, beige, pink - and then you have iterations of these colors: nude-y brown, baby pink, hot pink, brown beige, so on & so forth. I used to by default go for nude/beige colors that did not have any pinks in them because my lips are so pigmented as is -- but over time, I've really come to embrace the true pinks with a bit of pop in them. Colors really make me happy - and a pop of color on your lips can always add a bit of "oomph" to your look :)

My current favorite everyday color is Guerlain Rouge G L'Extrait in Paresse - it is the perfect blend of lipstick & lipgloss in a universal pink color. I know there are a lot of other lipstains out there that can be a bit of gloss & lipcolor in one - but this Guerlain one is by far the best one that does not dry out your lips. The problem I have with some of the lipstains is the ingredient that can cause drying of the lips - but this one is amazing! There are 7 colors to choose from - personally think this is a good thing so you can pick your favorite color out of just 7 vs 70!

To be honest - one of the main reasons I fell for this is because of the PACKAGING! It is so cool (see pics below) - very sturdy, click-to-open, beautifully gold, and has a mirror! Voila! So futuristic looking. Definitely worth a try if you're looking for an everyday lipcolor with consistency of lipstick + lipgloss in one. It simplified my life - now I only have to carry 1 vs 2 lip stuff. :)

cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles)

 Awesome gold & glossy packing - Beautiful!

I call it the universal pink - it has a true pink to it that can go well with any skin tone.

Aloha...from Pasadena

Hi everyone,

I had the pleasure of being invited to Roy Yamaguchi's 25th year anniversary of Roy's Restaurants Worldwide. Chef Roy himself was present of course, along with some of his close chef buddies - Celestino Drago (of Drago, Il Pastaio - my favorite Italian spots in LA!) and Akira Hirose (of Maison Akira). I am a huge fan of Roy's Restaurant, so I was stoked to be able to meet the chef in person. If you haven't been to Roy's, I highly recommend it - great Hawaiian dining - they have one of my favorite miso glazed butterfish (aka miso glazed cod) that literally melts in your mouth, as well as Hawaiian appetizer selections like lobster potstickers with miso butter sauce & ahi tuna poke. Yummmmm!

I absolutely love everything Hawaiian - Hawaii islands (LOVE Oahu), Hawaiian food, luau, hibiscus flowers, 80-degree all year around temperature, warm hospitality & breeze... shall I go on?? In celebration of Hawaiian cuisine - Sept 1-9 marks 3rd annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival. It's a a great chance to experience Hawaiian culinary art & culture on Maui & Oahu with many of the world-renowned chefs & winemakers Anyone visiting Maui & Oahu during Sept 1-9 - definitely awesome to check this out! I would, if I'm lucky enough to be on the island during this time!!

Dreaming of Hawaii... right about now... :)

mahalo ("thanks"), julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles)

 Beautiful Roy's Restaurant in Pasadena + SCORED a picture with Chef Roy himself, along with Chef Akira Hirose of Maison Akira

 Chef Roy & Guest Chefs Akira & Drago + Great bite-size Hawaiian food selection (Clockwise: Pork Belly with Wasabi Mashed Potato & Lobster Potstickers with Miso butter sauce, Scallop with Carrot puree + Kobe Beef, Ahi Tuna Poke, Cream Corn Lobster Ravioli)

Sushi chef at work + Delicious Desserts (Clockwise: Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream, Dessert Platter - Macadamia Nut Tartlets & Chocolate Truffle Cake)

Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Bar - Coolest. Thing. Ever. Fresh made liquid nitrogen ice cream - Lilikoi (passion fruit), Guava, Salted Caramel, Vanilla flavors.

Weekend Beach + Chinatown Fun

Hi everyone,

Hope you guys had a great weekend - I sure did! Quite jam packed & eventful. Relaxing beach house party @ Hermosa Beach with homemade paella chef (yummmmmmm) - courtesy of our friends at Collective Media (@CollectiveSays). Ended the weekend in Chinatown LA, enjoying the sunny weather & some good food truck sightings. I absolutely loved @LudoTruck - amazing fried chicken & honey garlic wings! @JogasakiBurrito was delicious - bigger version of sushi handrolls with soybean paper.

Check out the photos below for my weekend look - casual, simple, relaxed jumper, simple yet fun jewelry, my favorite red Cambridge Satchel bag (also featured on my previous post) - last but not least, my trusted Dita Supa Dupa sunglasses. Enjoy!

cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles)

 Homemade paella, reminiscent of paella from Barcelona!!!

 Anthropologie jumper + Cambridge Satchel bag in 14" red + Jcrew Jackie cardigan in Navy + my FAVORITE Dita Supa Dupa sunglasses - LOVE how I am blending right into the red patio furniture :)

Sporting my new chopped hair cut (LOVE it for the summer) + @Jcrew chunky mint necklace (similar one here) + Chan Luu wrap bracelet

 Love the cropped back of this Anthropologie jumper - great deal on the site now!

Having way too much fun in Chinatown + @LudoTruck + @JogasakiBurrito. Can you say #goodfoodalldayeveryday? :)

Weekly Obsessions

Hi everyone,

TGIF - for reals! I am so glad the end of week is finally here. Looks like we're getting 80 degree weather this entire weekend in LA. This may be the start of our real "summer" - yikes! Will post next week some must have beach wear + look into my weekend :) Any fun weekend plans? Have an awesome weekend, guys!

cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles)

a) Cannot get tired of Cambridge Satchel Company's 13" Satchel. Love it in every. single. color. Want 'em all!
b) By far, my favorite hot-pink lipstick - way to go Nars with Schiap. Can also layer for more muted pink looks.
c) Target FINALLY released the date for Phillip Lim For Target - Sept 15th! Pashli satchel is only $34.99!! o.m.g
d) My favorite artist pairs up with his gal-buddy - John Mayer & Katy Perry release their duet, Who You Love. Really diggin' it.
e) Ad of the week - Robert Downey Jr. essentially plays himself in @htc's new campaign. Is Robert Downey Jr worth $1 Billion?

Long Live The Queen!

Hi everyone,

Just when it's beginning to really get hot in LA -- I am in pre-fall mode. Been obsessing over dark, bold nail colors. My current favorite nail polish brand: Butter LONDON. They make both make-up & nail polish - but mainly known for their carcinogen-free nail polish. I randomly discovered Butter LONDON during one of my work trips to Seattle (visiting my clients @TMobile) - and to my ever-so-pleasant surprise, Alaska Airlines terminal had Butter LONDON nail salon!! Can't you just picture my excitement? :) I picked up a few essentials (buy one get one free promotion) - their nail foundation base coat, which really gives a nice, silky finish - and the top coat, that makes my nails look so polished & glossy (the "just got my manicure" look done @ the comfort of my own home).

Butter LONDON has some great seasonal colors that are fun & really pop - colors range from dark & metallic to bright & glittery. I'm really loving Queen Vic - it has a purple/wine tone, reminiscent of plump, juicy raspberries/cranberries! You'll feel & look like royalty... well at least your nails.

cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles)

Queen Vic - perfect wine, raspberry color for pre-fall :)

Getting Lucky in Seattle

Hi everyone,

Happy Wednesday! Can't believe it's already middle of August - midway into Summer, back-to-school kicking in: meaning more traffic in LA #LAtrafficsucks.

You guys know I love traveling. Traveling to me doesn't necessarily mean packing up my luggage to fly somewhere international - it can be a simple local weekend getaway to Santa Barbara or even San Francisco (I'm a LA gal, so these cities are somewhat close to me!)

Today I am missing Seattle. Long gone are the days of going to Seattle for work (my client @TMobile was based in Seattle). I had the pleasure of visiting Seattle for fun this summer - and I really fell in love with the city. I've traveled to Seattle through the rainy seasons (which I kind of enjoy the light drizzles) - but this time I got LUCKY - the weather in Seattle during the summer is AMAZINGLY beautiful. Very green with hills, trees, mountains, with a blend of water @ the pier. Great food scene, especially a great selection of seafood (especially salmon and oysters!!) I love seafood, so Seattle had some great spots. Tom Douglas, a well known chef in Seattle has a series of 10+ restaurants, which all got great reviews. I was able to check out a few, but especially loved Serious Biscuit.

Hope you guys get a chance to check out Seattle...and get lucky as I did with the perfect weather & food. Until next time, Seattle!

cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles)

Elliott's Oyster House: Go during happy hour for $1 oysters! Amazing view of the pier + great seafood for cheap happy hour price = perfection

 Serious Biscuit: Heavenly biscuits. Especially LOVED the fried chicken with tabasco black pepper gravy and homemade strawberry jam. Mmm, my mouth waters just thinking about it...

Green Leaf: Honestly, I had the best pho @ Green Leaf. Broth was unforgettable - so rich and tasty. Banh mi with grilled pork was oh.so.good.

It's Not Me...It's You

Hi everyone, hope you all had a fabulous weekend.

Topic of the day: breaking up with my hair stylist.

I have been going to my hair stylist for exactly 10 years (Hills Salon in Los Angeles - name anonymous). We've had our ups & downs - some amazing hair cuts (short, long, mid-length), fun colors (black, red, blonde highlights - you name it), not-so-amazing perms (shirley temple curls, anyone?). Fast forward 10 years - I feel as though I'm not getting the service & attention that I need and deserve. Considering I have been going to her for 10 years straight, I really think it's not much to ask for her to physically color my hair (vs. asking her assistant to color, and come check on her 1x in the entire 2 hours I'm sitting there for the color to come out). I pay for my stylist's service, not the assistant's.

Should I tell my hair stylist the reason I'm breaking up with her or just LEAVE her? Would love your thoughts on this :)

On a happier note - some good bargains from the weekend @ Anthropologie. Everything under $75 total!  Love deals, deals, deals!

cheers, Julie
(aka cotton and sparkles)

 Knitted top, Bellflower Bloom skirt, Beaded sandals - all from Anthropologie

 

Love the pop of yellow green on this knitted top

Blue on this skirt really stands out - good blend with the girly flowers

 

Beautifully beaded sandals - very comfy, too!

Weekly Obsessions

Hi everyone!

I'm really enjoying today's weather - 75 degrees in sunny los angeles. Those of you who know me - I am obsessed with weather. All things weather - playing around with Weather Channel app on my phone constantly throughout the day, checking the weather every 5 minutes not just in my current location but other locations around the country. Often times, checking the weather outside the country - Seoul, Tokyo, Madrid, Venice, and so forth - with the hopes of traveling to these locations very soon :)

a) Loving the Nike 'Dunk Sky Hi' with Liberty of London collaboration - so cute yet sporty.
b) Speaking of Liberty of London - I ADORE the collaboration with J Crew - LOVE the floral print, so feminine, pretty, and girly. I own a few, but can never have enough...
c) Dita makes some of my favorite glasses and sunglasses. My current favorite is the Magnifique - one thing Rihanna and I have in common.
d) My dad's an avid golfer but it took me almost 30 years to get into golf - some good beginner tips I've been reading. 
e) Never been this active in my life - but also currently training for 10k run. Howstuffworks always has good advice for me :)

cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles)

A Brand New Chapter

Hi everyone - hello & welcome to Cotton and Sparkles :)

I have been thinking of blogging for years, but with my crazy work schedule (90+ hours/week!!) - never made the time to commit to it. I love writing, jotting down my thoughts -- and what better way to share my thoughts than as a blog -- recording things I adore, things I love that put a smile on my face, and things that inspire me everyday.

The blog name "Cotton and Sparkles" is really a reflection of me. There's definite dichotomy of cotton and sparkles -- cotton is very simple, clean, and stress free, while sparkles give a bit of glitz & add a dynamic element. The combination of the two really makes me, me. I love things that are simple, comfortable, effortless -- yet layered with a bit of sparkles and fun.

More to come - looking forward to sharing my thoughts with you!

cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles)

facefonts "essential of classico" glasses, jcrew "translucent flower" necklace, 
gibson boyfriend t-shirt, longchamp "le pliage" large tote

i love pairing simple dark grey top with fun, sparkly, chunky necklace. jcrew 
definitely makes some fun summer jewelry!

gotta love my chamomile tea @ my favorite coffee shop, Caffe Bene. It's a 
korean chained coffee shop - interior decor is welcoming, spacious, and inviting!

my go-to pair of glasses from Facefonts "essential of classico" collection. 
it's a Japanese brand - they do know how to make light-weight, comfortable 
glasses that I can wear everyday.