Chambray Casual Cool

Hi guys, how was your weekend? Hopefully you guys stayed cool (if in LA) and enjoyed the Fall-like weather everywhere else! I had a pretty jam packed weekend mostly running errands, but managed to get some shots of yesterday's outfit. I try to dress my best on Sundays but definitely with a casual/relaxed feel to the style given the warm weather. I paired one of my favorite high-wasted skirt with a bow (oldie but goodie from Jcrew) + chambray shirt + with a pop of bright green tank top underneath + my favorite wedge with floral print. To make this outfit even more "fun" - I added chunky jewelry to accessorize as accent pieces. Chunky jewelry always provides the "oomph" to any outfit :) Enjoy -- have an awesome Monday :)

cheers, julie

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

Outfit

Shirt: Madewell 

Skirt: Jcrew (similar here)

Tank: Vintage top (similar here)

Watch: Michael Kors

Bag: Louis Vuitton in Epi Leather

Shoes: Jacques Levine (on previous post here)

Lip Stick: Guerlain Rouge G L'Extrait in Paresse (on previous post here)

Jewelry: Jcrew + Chan Luu wrap bracelet (similar here)

Weekly Obsessions

Hi guys, TGIF! Week is over, and the weekend is ahead of us. Excited for this weekend weather - hitting 80 highs and 60s lows in LA. Just when you think Fall is here, it's as if Summer is beginning again in LA. One of many reasons why I love being a LA gal - it's warm all year around! Few of my weekly obsession picks! Have a great weekend, and follow me on instagram for updates throughout the weekend!

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

a. Isabel Marant for H&M lookbook leaked, and I am seriously excited. This will be the second #philliplimfortarget craze (racked.com)
b. Loving the look that Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder gives - keeps my skin super glowing but without looking too summer-bronzed out (nordstrom.com)
c. New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week... and it's time for Fashion Week in the City of Love & Lights (myfashionlife.com)
d. Favorite celebrity look of the week - Diane Kruger @ NYC's Metropolitan Opera season opening in gorgeous Prabal Gurung gown (justjared.com)
e. Counting down to the much anticipated John Mayer concert @ Hollywood Bowl, one of my favorite venues. #stoked (johnmayer.com)

Fall Beauty Tips: Hand Cream

Hi guys, as a continuation from yesterday's post, wanted to showcase my picks on hand cream, as the Fall weather definitely calls for it. For those of us with super dry skin (i.e. me), it's a must really all year around to keep hands nice and moisturized - but especially with Fall/Winter season, keeping a hand cream with you at all times will prevent your hands from being yucky.  Keep those hands MOISTURIZED! :) Enjoy!

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

1. Jo Malone Vitamin E Nourishing Hand Treatment (3.4oz - $50)
2. Crabtree & Evelyn Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy (1.7oz - $15)
3. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream (2oz - $4.50)
4. Molton Brown Desert Bloom Intense Hand Rescue (2.5oz - $30)
5. L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream(1oz - $12)
6. Cetaphil Therapeutic Hand Cream (3oz - $7)

Fall Beauty Tips: Say Bye to Dry Hands

Hi guys, as much as I love Fall, this season also brings the most dreaded: dry skin, especially dry hands. I am one of those girls with chronic dry hands all year around - so I have always been seeking tips and advice on how to keep hands from drying out and being super irritated. The last thing I want is my hands in sub-optimal shape for my significant other to hold! Every girl wants nice, soft, smooth hands that are hand-holdable :) Few of my simple tips to preventing/treating dry skin:

• Use a gentle wash/cleanser  Avoid using soaps/cleansers with heavy deodorant, antibacterial, foaming, or scents - all of the above likely contain elements that "strip" fats from your skin. These fats (aka "good fats") help hold in much-needed water during the dryer seasons, so look for moisturizing soaps (like Jergens Extra Moisturizing Hand Wash) or even try a soapless cleanser (my favorites: Aquanil Cleanser and Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar).

• Keep clean & wash up  Key is to wash gently - always use warm water (not HOT), as hot water strips the skin of natural, protecting oil that your skin needs during the colder weather. Regular, thorough hand washing is essential in preventing flu, colds, and other illnesses that Fall/Winter season brings. See - being clean pays off!

• Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!  As cliche as it sounds, moisturizing is crucial in preventing, treating, relieving irritated/dry skin. But not just any moisturizer will do. Some are made mostly of water, which means they do NOT help lock in moisture. Key is to find oil-based moisturizers - ointments tend to be the most oil-based, followed by creams. Lotions contain the most water. Look for products with at least one or some of the following:
  
  • Petroleum jelly, mineral oil, hyaluronic acid and lanolin - these elements retain water in the skin
  • Lactic acid and urea - these elements can help soothe severely dry skin
  • Glycerin and dimethicone - these elements draw water to the skin
• Wear gloves  Hey, who says you can't be fashionable with gloves? Moisturize your hands well at night, and try wearing gloves during the day when you're outside.

Stay tuned for upcoming post on my picks for Hand Cream :)
cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)

Everyday Zipper Wallet

Hi guys, it must be the constant weather change that's making me feel a bit under the weather again. I received few requests for everyday wallet post, following my everyday bag post last week - thank you to those who submitted the request :) Here are my picks for everyday wallet with zipper. There are so many selections of wallets out there and my favorite kind is the zipper wallet, as it's convenient, easy to open/close, and it's so versatile - my trick is to transform this as a clutch, as it literally holds my cell phone in it. Credit cards, cash, cell phone - you're good to go. A good leather wallet is a great investment, as it's sturdy and will last you for years (I used my old Dior wallet for 10 years, no joke). If you take better care of it, I'm sure it will surpass the 10 year life. You can mix up classic colors like black or brown with something with a pop of color like red or blue to keep your everyday wallet look fun & classy at the same time. Enjoy!

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

p.s. what other topics do you guys want to see? Please let me know in the comments below or email me directly (cottonandsparkles@gmail.com). xo!

1. Chloe Marcie Long Zip Wallet
2. Louis Vuitton Zippy Organizer
3. Miu Miu Zip Wallet
4. Prada Saffiano Zip Wallet
5. Bottega Veneta Woven Leather Wallet
6. Tory Burch 'Thea' Wallet
7. Givenchy Pandora Zip Around Wallet

Stripes and Polka Dots

Hi guys, hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! I am excited to showcase my long overdue outfit post. Finally got my camera working (yay!) Sunday was a perfect day outside in LA with great natural lighting and had a blast getting a few shots of my casual Sunday outfit. Two of my favorite simple patterns are stripes and polka dots. So I thought, why not mix the two for a fun twist on pattern on pattern? Also, loved pairing the outfit with my Phillip Lim for Target cross body handbag. It's synthetic leather, yet it looks so rich like real leather -- but with 0.01% of the cost :)

cheers, julie

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

Outfit

Shirt: American Apparel

Skirt: Jcrew (on sale)

Sunglasses: Dita Magnifique

Watch: Michael Kors

Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target

Nail Polish: OPI Dulce de Leche (on previous post)

Ring: Custom Band

Lip Stick/Gloss: Laneige Lipstick in Beige Chiffon & Nars Turkish Delight Gloss

Weekly Obsessions

Hi everyone, TGIF! So glad that it's friday. For you LA folks, are you happy with the weather finally cooling down a bit? Today's overcast is definitely a good precursor to Fall. This Sunday marks the first official day of Fall - are you excited? I am :) Here are some of my weekly obsession picks - have a great weekend guys.

cheers, julie

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

a. Some sneak peak at the Isabel Marant/H&M collection - 4 pieces revealed! (refinery29.com)

b. I'm always in search for the perfect nude lipstick - and currently digging the Tom Ford lipstick in Nude Vanille. It looks as yummy as it sounds. (nordstrom.com)

c. Just when you think New York Fashion Week is over, here comes Milan Fashion Week for Spring 2014. (telegraph.co.uk)

d. Valentino MOC clutch adds a bit of personalization with your monogrammed initials. Love. (harpersbazaar.com)

e. Beginning to stock up on your Fall wardrobe? Jcrew has 25% off all purchase with code #ShopFall. Shop away! (jcrew.com)

Ready For Fall

Hi everyone, for me walking into Starbucks and seeing "Pumpkin Spice Latte Is Back" marks the official transition into Fall. There's something so cozy and comfortable knowing that Fall is here - it took me awhile to realize Fall is my favorite season. The light calming breeze, autumn colors of brown/orange, pumpkins, Halloween decorations, Thanksgiving, turkey, celebration, family time, beginning to see lighting/decorations for the Holidays. Knowing that it's just one step away from Christmas. I love everything about this season, and excited about what this Fall will bring me.

Are you excited for Fall? What is your favorite season? :)

cheers, julie

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

Dulce de Leche Caramel Manicure

 Hi everyone, at times simple classic nail color is the way to go. I have been wearing a lot of loud colors in my outfit + statement jewelry pieces. And these looks are most always best when offset with clean, classic simple nails. My all time favorite nude nail color is OPI's Dulce de Leche. The name says it all -- it's a subtle pinky caramel nude with a bit of light sheen to it, which makes the color not too flat/matte, but shines beautifully. It's such a milky/creamy/caramel color that is so yummy on my nails. Perfect + classy nude manicure - highly recommend it.

What's your favorite/go-to nude nail color? Please comment below and/or email me directly!

cheers, julie

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

Everyday Bags

Hi everyone, how's your Tuesday going? Pretty busy day with work today! Will keeping this post short. Thanks to those who submitted your request for an "Everyday Bag" post. I think handbags you can use everyday can range from casual/day to evening look. Something that can easily take you from one to another, to me - is an everyday bag. I have my 9 picks (obviously I can go on & on about other bags, but wanted to keep it to 9 simple bags) - ranging from designer to something more practical. Enjoy!

cheers, julie

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

1. Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Woven Large Hobo ($2370)

2. Givenchy Nightingale ($1965) 

3. Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium ($1695) 

4. Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy 35 ($895)

5. Goyard Tote (prices vary, starting at $1000

6. Louis Vuitton Damier Neverfull GM ($980)

7. American Apparel Sturdy Leather Tote ($165)

8. Madewell Leather Transport Tote ($168)

9. Jcrew Leather Brompton Mini-Hobo (on sale - $208)

Phillip Lim For Target: AFTERMATH

 

Beautiful and Spunky 3.1 Phillip Lim Collection for Target - this is what I was able to pick up at the Target store 

early Sunday morning. But rest assured, I loaded up my online shopping carts with WAY more stuff.

 

One of my favorite pieces from the collection - Knit Dress in Animal Print. Loving the deep brown/beige on this 

and the stretchy fabric that's really flattering :) I paired it with the Travel Zipped Wallet 

that can totally work as a clutch. #love

 

This Boom Print Sweatshirt is not just fun, but super comfy. It's been highly anticipated ever since Jessica Alba 

wore it to the launch party. This black tote is definitely reminiscent of Phillip Lim's original Pashli bag - obsessed!

Hi everyone, hope you guys had a fabulous weekend! I had a pretty relaxing time, up until #PhillipLimForTarget countdown. I hadn't shopped online for the previous Target collaborations/releases for Missoni or Jason Wu, so didn't know what to expect. So I decided to stay up pretty much all night. Stayed up until I can get a first peak of the pieces. Honestly, it was social media + e-commerce at its best - #PhillipLimForTarget hashtag was the answer to my prayers. Big shout-out to @coralsncognacs - who was so instrumental in seeding "secret" links to all the hot pieces (including the handbags) earlier than anyone else on social media. Target.com was working out kinks on their site throughout the late night, so I did have to refresh numerous times to land some of my purchases. I'll post the full collection once it gets safely delivered to my doorsteps :) 

In addition to staying up crazy late scoring some of these goodies online - I worked up the courage to check out the local Target store, finding myself waiting in line since 7am (yes, 7am on Sunday morning *le sigh*). Truth be told - women are crazy when thrown into the wildness of cheap designer fashion. The second the doors opened at 8am, it instantly became mad frenzy of women of all ages (fashion doesn't discreminate) running for their lives towards the Phillip Lim collection. One woman literally cleared the rack of handbags with her two arms (think she took at the minimum, like... 15+ bags). I safely braved the fashion warfare, scoring the items in the pictures above. :) So happy.

Stay tuned later this week/early next week for the full collection in my wardrobe. :)

Anyone else have a frenzy Phillip Lim experience this weekend? Please do share!

cheers, julie

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

p.s. according to Target, they are not getting additional stock of Phillip Lim collection! check out your local Target for any returns/exchanges :)

Phillip Lim For Target: Major Countdown

Hi everyone, hope you are all doing great. Keeping today's post super short -- but can't NOT talk about Phillip Lim for Target Collection. D-4 days. Major. Countdown. Starts. NOW! Noodle seems to approve Phillip Lim's "afternoon" collection - I'm drooling over the Pashli cross body bag in that mustard yellow. #love. Only $34.99, compared to the original Pashli satchel.

I have officially made up my mind - going to either a) get up super early and buy online, b) go to my local Target to snag one (which I called btw already to confirm they will carry the collection). I suggest you call your local Target store to confirm availability and begin the official countdown like me. :)

cheers, julie

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

images: thedailybeast.com

Crazy In Love For Burgundy

Hi everyone, happy Wednesday guys. For all LA folks - what happened to the warm weather?! There are split opinions - some of us are ready for Fall already, and others are longing for Summer to last a bit longer. I'm looking out my window, and it seriously looks like a storm is about to roll in. Don't worry you Summer lovers - looks like the temperature is going back up to mid/high 80s starting tomorrow! EEK!

So I have been obsessing over everything Burgundy - and when I think of this color, I think of other synonymous colors like Wine, Oxblood, Auburn, Maroon, Crimson, so on & so forth. This rich color is such a precursor to Fall. Thinking of this color gets me just a bit cooler to last me throughout the summer heat wave. Here's a few of my favorite Burgundy picks - enjoy!

cheers, julie

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

1. Sanctuary Leather Jacket in Tapestry Red (Revolve Clothing, $389)

2. Zara Leather City Bag in Burgundy (Zara, $179)

3. Pied Juste Closed-Toe Eclissare Wedges in Red (Anthropologie, $168)

4. Smoky Burgundy Eyes - Updated Smoky Eye Trend seen @ NY Fashion Week (Elle)

5. Butter LONDON La Moss Nail Lacquer (Butter LONDON, $15)

Noodle's Pick

Hi everyone, feeling under the weather today - so keeping this post short! I showcased this pair of oh-so-pretty wedges in my previous post, Labor Day Essentials. I am in LOVE with this pair of Jacques Levine wedges, and apparently my dog Noodle does too! Every detail on this pair is to die for. Brown suede on the upper part, light beige/ivory on the heel part with perfectly tied ribbons (it's SO pretty), and the side wedge part is this beautiful twill petals in a blend of blue & brown. 4" wedge platform gives me good height, but super comfortable to walk in. I didn't even have to "break 'em in" because they were comfortable day 1! This pair goes great with everything - flowy summer dress, cotton tee + skinny jeans, and even a pair of wide leg pants that I have been obsessed with lately. Enjoy!

cheers, julie

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

Life of a Pseudo Athlete

American Apparel Crop Tee (similar here), Anthropologie Blue Stone Necklace (similar here), American Apparel L'epicier Two-Tone Leather Tote, Madewell Floral Cutoff Shorts, Jeffrey Campbell Gladiator Sandals (similar here), Nike Running Shoes (similar here), Dita Supa Dupa Sunglasses

Hi everyone, how was the weekend? Mine was filled with everything Malibu Triathlon. If you guys can recall from my previous post, I have been training for several weeks on the running. I'm not a natural runner, so it actually takes me some training to get to 4+ miles. But it's done and over with - and I feel great & quite proud of myself! Working out really does make you feel that much more awesome - getting a quick morning run/jog really pumps you up & gets you prepped for the long work day :) 

I was rocking casual crop tee/floral cutoff shorts on Saturday @ Malibu (picking up Men's Health packet with goodies :), and all Nike workout outfit on Sunday. Special thanks to Men's Health for hosting/sponsoring this event. I miss the salty smell of the ocean @ Malibu already...

cheers, julie

(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles)

Weekly Obsessions: Fashion Week Edition

 

BCBG Max Azria’s collection had the perfect juxtaposition of chic + everyday + work casual, with romantic + feminine + vivid florals. What I love about BCBG is the practicality of the collection, but with stand out points. 

Not sure if you guys know, but Tadashi Shoji is one of Octavia Spencer’s (from Help) favorite designers. His collection was yet again reminiscent of romance, feminine, and love :) It was a perfect blend of romantic + classy + beauty. Loving the subtle plaid, lace as statement piece, and the mix of white lace & black shorts.

 

 Creative Director Emma Fletcher presented a "dreamy" collection of delicate chiffon & lace tops and dresses - some with lace accents and others with plaid. Similar to Tadashi Shoji - definite sense of feminine look, but Tocca was all about the PANTS! Everything from sky blue blazer/pant suit, mustard yellow cropped work pants, and navy blue high wasted pants. Looks that are perfect for day + evening.

Hope you guys have a wonderful weekend. I'm trying to stay cool in this crazy heat wave. Stay hydrated, all! Follow me on Instagram during the weekend for updates. :)

cheers, julie

(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles)

images: nydailynews.com

Bag Envy

image: neimanmarcus.com, style.com

Hi everyone, you guys know my love for Cambridge Satchel (on my previous posts here and here). But really, my adoration for the bag originated from Proenza Schouler. Proenza Schouler makes the "original" version of the bag. They are New York based designers (Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez), known for their fusion of modern craftsmanship & attention to detail (hardware, leather, etc). It's pretty modern contemporary pieces, using very fine, high quality leather. They launched their first handbag collection in 2008 (including the PS1) - this PS1 in medium (pictured above) really is "wearable luxury" that's become the brand's signature piece.

I have been drooling over the PS1 in medium for years - they come in classic colors, as well as fashion/season colors as well. But my favorite color by far is the lipstick red in calfskin leather with brass hardware. It's classy, can go with ANY outfit. This bag is fabulous because you can dress down as casual/chic OR dress up. You can also play with the handles a bit to wear it long as cross body OR tie the straps to give it an "evening" look. 

Until I can snag this bag, my Cambridge Satchel will suffice :)

cheers, julie

(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles)

 

P.S. To all the LA folks - stay cool in this crazy heat wave!

All About Leather

Hi everyone, 

I LOVE leather jackets, especially as we gear up for Fall. Definite must have item to have in your wardrobe, really year around, but comes in especially handy during Fall/Winter/and even Spring time. It's such a great complement to a casual and/or dressy look. You pair a brown leather jacket (like the one from Anthropologie) with a casual tee shirt & jeans - and voila, you have a casual yet put together look. Zara leather blazer is nice yet affordable of the bunch - comes in Ecru (it's that light greyish/pale yellow color), with black trim on the inside (love!). Madewell & Free People have the classic biker/motorcycle fit -- burgundy one @ Free People is especially eye catching, as burgundy is the "it" color of the season. Price really ranges anywhere from $300+, but leather jackets (like leather bags) are investments and will stay in your closet for years & years. You will for sure get good use out of it over time :)

Check out next week on my picks on Burgundy "it" items :)

cheers, julie

(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles)

(Clockwise)

1.  Free People Biker Jacket in Burgundy ($398)

2.  Madewell Leather Motorcycle Jacket in Black ($495)

3.  Anthropologie Leather Moto Jacket in Brown ($498)

4.  Zara Leather Blazer in Ecru ($269)

New York Fashion Week Countdown

Hi everyone, how was your Labor Day weekend? 

It's always tough getting back in the grind after any extended holiday. I am sitting here at work, counting down the hours already (and it's only 11am). Speaking of countdowns -- real count down begins for Mercedes Benz/New York fashion week! Officially 1 day, 20 hours, 45 minutes :) Can you tell I am obsessed and excited for the 2013 Fall fashion week to kick off?! Excited to see what designers like Diane Von Furstenberg, Zac Posen, Carolina Herrera, Tory Burch, Vera Wang, and more are going to roll out for Spring 2014 collection!

Quick Fashion Week trivia for the day -- DID YOU KNOW, the first New York Fashion Week (which was then called "Press Week") was the world's first ever organized fashion week. The first one was held in 1943, designed to attract attention away from the French fashion during World War II, when fashion industry insiders were unable to travel to Paris to see French fashion shows. :)

Follow the latest on New York fashion week here

Check out the schedule here

Watch it LIVE starting Sept 5 here

@mbfashionweek, #MBFW

cheers, julie

(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles)