Hey guys, Friday is finally here! I'm seriously looking forward to the weekend after this long work week - I don't know about you guys, but it sure was a long one. As much as I LOVE Fall (recent realization as my favorite season), since the weather is picking up again in LA this weekend (mid 70s!), I'm going to put every effort in enjoying the summer-like weather. Possibly some floral shorts with cropped tops? Also been wanting to check out a fish taco spot (cheat meal!). Hope you guys have a fabulous weekend. Follow me on instagram for weekend updates/looks! :)
cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)
a. Plum seems to be the universal lip color for Fall - are you going to give this a try?
b. H&M's sister brand, COS is coming to US - and we don't have to wait until next Spring to get our hands on it. COS is setting up a month-long pop-up shop @ Opening Ceremony on Howard Street in Soho, as well as on openingceremony online
c. I like Refinery29's diverse picks on Booties for this Winter to keep us nice & toasty
d. For red wine lovers, I thought this was a great easy to follow tip showing how to pick your red wines
e. Loving this "beauty moment" with Kate Bosworth - her style just seems so effortless
photo credit: nymag, refinery29, fashionista, cupcakesandcashmere, vogue
Friday, October 11, 2013
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Classic Leather Pumps Under $100
Hi guys, as a follow up to last week's post on "Classic Leather Designer Pumps" - I wanted to share my finds on more affordable options, but still giving you that classic look. This is a great alternative to high price-tagged designer pumps, without breaking the bank! All under $100 -- you can find great pairs of black pumps with 100% leather, so you're still getting great value for your dollars (rather than paying for synthetic, polyurethane leather). One of my favorite brands is Vince Camuto (you'll see that I picked 3 of the 6 pairs from this brand ha!), as I think their leather is pretty darn good quality for the money and his shoes typically last me for few years without really wearing out or deteriorating. I first discovered it via Nordstrom, but when I was visiting New York a few years back, I stumbled upon their boutique store inside Grand Central Station and I went nuts! Since then, I try to stock up on their classic pumps that come in both plain & patent leather in variety of styles (platform, heels, rounded, peep toe, etc).
For other affordable options, Ann Taylor has great ones called the "Perfect Pumps" (the name says it all) -- I recommend getting it in stores, as these pumps often sell-out quite fast. Jessica Simpson is another one of my go-to options for affordable black pumps that are your Louboutin look-alikes :) Enjoy!
cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)
1. Ann Taylor Perfect Leather Pumps ($60)
2. Vince Camuto Zella Pumps ($98)
3. Vince Camuto Sarika Patent Pumps ($98)
4. Jessica Simpson Abriana Leather Pumps ($60 - on sale!)
5. Vince Camuto Hallee Pumps ($98)
6. Sole Society Topanga pumps ($70)
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Water For the Skin
It's really is an incredible product that not only gives your skin instant hydration, but also gives a bit of radiance/glow and your skin visibly looks more moisturized. I also love that you can use this over your make-up, and I've noticed it also softens your "done" make-up look and gives that natural glow. I love anything that makes your skin NOT look dry & makes it glow!
As you guys know, I did an earlier post on preventing dry skin -- and the AmorePacific hydrating mist has "Aqua Sponge Complex" which stimulates Hyaluronic acid production, which is an element that improves skin's ability to retain water & prevents dehydration to keep your skin moisturized. So definitely give this item a try, to keep your skin nice & supple throughout the dry seasons!
cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)
Monday, October 7, 2013
Fall Beauty Trend: Cat Eye Makeup
Hi guys, hope you all had a fabulous weekend! Mine was jam-packed with John Mayer concert @ the Hollywood Bowl and getting some comfort food/fried chicken @ Knott's Berry Farm. Super random, but it was a fun-filled weekend indeed!
Switching gears (yes, the most awkward segue from fried chicken to cat eye makeup ha!) - the Cat Eye makeup is always in fashion from my opinion, but for Fall especially it's a casual, chic, yet dramatic way to amp up your overall look this season. Key is to use black liquid eyeliner that is *waterproof* - this is the most fool-proof way to get that chic cat eye without it smudging or looking too dull. Highlight of this look is really the bold/black-ness and the pop against your facial features.
For today's post, I wanted to share some of my favorite liquid eyeliners to prep you for that perfect cat eye look. As a Part 2 of this post, will be posting a "how to get the perfect cat eye" next week - so stay tuned for that!
1. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner ($20)
2. Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner ($19)
3. Make Up Forever Aqua Liner ($23)
4. Marc Jacobs Magic Marc'er Precision Pen ($30)
5. YSL Liquid Eyeliner ($30)
6. Smashbox Love Me Paint Pen Eyeliner ($24)
cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)
photo credit: totalbeauty, harpersbazaar, fabfashionfix, yahoo, sephora
Friday, October 4, 2013
Weekly Obsessions
Hi guys, TGIF!! What's everyone's plans for the weekend? I have been very good in terms of eating healthy & incorporating some work outs lately (well in my books - it's been healthy, but I did sneak in an ice cream here and a soft serve there) :) So I am treating myself to some comfort food this weekend - hint: something fried! Check out my instagram this weekend to find out!! Also a fun-filled weekend with a concert @ the Hollywood Bowl with my all-time favorite artist (see my previous post for a teaser)! Have a pleasant weekend, everyone!
cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)
a. Carey Mulligan's new brunette do is to die for - really reminiscent of Fall :)
b. HonestlyWTF gives the perfect step-by-step instructions for creating your own DIY tassel sandals. Love!
c. Obsessing over my Dita Vesoul sunglasses in tortoise - classic oversized frame in cat eye, what's NOT to love?
d. French know denim - love these 9 looks of easy denim jeans paired with complementing tops
e. Would you rock the Bordeaux lip color? It's dark glamour, bold, and definite Fall trend!
photo credit: huffingtonpost, honestlywtf, ditalegends, luckymag, vogue
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Fall Essential: The Chunky Sweater
Hi guys! Fall is here, and what better item symbolizes the entrance into Fall than a chunky, oversized sweater. Chunky sweaters are a must for Fall - they are so comfy and warm
for the Fall/Winter season, yet you can dress them up & down
depending on the mood you're in. Ironic enough, chunky oversized sweaters paired with leggings or skinny jeans can be very flattering on the figure, and can give you a slimmed down look, all while looking comfy & chic. Rest assured, I'm here to give you a couple of different ways to rock the chunky sweater look - ENJOY!!
1. Solid Colored Chunky

Solid colored oversized sweaters especially in cream or light beige paired with your favorite skinny jeans = casual, comfy chic. Give it an extra Fall-esque look with long, loose waves. Ditch those highlights & dye it back to your natural shade. I'm desperately missing my long hair right now!!
2. Fun in Color Block

If you're a bit more bold, and looking for a fun twist on oversized sweaters, color block sweaters is
the answer. Contrast the baggy sweater with black leggings + ankle booties and this will complete
your ultimate Fall look. I'm obsessed with ankle booties - especially in camel! Stay tuned next week
for my picks on ankle booties!
3. Cable Knit It
There's something so cozy and feminine about cable knit sweaters. Give it an extra preppy look (which I LOVE for Fall) with a collared shirt underneath the sweater. You can pair it with either solid or pattern - for a more subdued look, go with solid, but if you want to add more fun to it, go with pattern of your choice (polka dots, stripes, plaid, etc!)
I always love the dichotomy of two distinct looks (i.e. cotton & sparkles). Take your favorite chunky sweater but grunge it up a bit with bold, black accents (like the grunge skeleton), black gloves, or black bags with fringes. It toughens up the outfit and can give you a complete polar opposite feel from a more "feminine" soft look.
5. Sweater Maxi Combo
Who says maxi dresses are for Summer? Maxi dresses are not only one of the most comfortable, flattering and forgiving pieces to wear, but they are also surprisingly versatile, too! They're so easy to add layers over - I honestly think it's the perfect transitional piece taking us from Summer to Fall! My biggest tip: it's a smart way to extend your Summer wardrobe and get creative with items you already have in your closet! :)
cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)
photo credit: lulus, loveitsomuch, prepaganda, pinterest, google
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Sequins and Khakis
Hi guys, didn't think I'd say this, but this week is going by pretty fast. I am really liking this outfit - as my blog name suggests, I love simple things paired with a bit of sparkle. So for this look, I paired my favorite sequin tee with simple, loose mustard khakis. It's the perfect blend of the minimalistic/simple look with a little dazzle! Not too over-done, but still dressed up just enough. I rolled up the khakis a bit to showcase the ankle strap on the heels (which wass surprisingly comfortable given it's synthetic leather). Completed the look with neutral + gold bracelet accents. Enjoy!
cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)
Outfit
Shirt: Jcrew Sequin Cluster Tee
Pants: Madewell Khakis (similar here)
Bag: Chanel Wallet on Chain
Shoes: Zara Ankle Strap Heels
Sunglasses: Dita Supa Dupa
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Classic Black Leather Pumps
You have such a huge selection out there with so many designers that make quality leather pumps -- but these are some of my favorite pieces that will stand the test of time. I will be posting an alternative to designer pumps -- for those of you who are looking for more affordable options but still with a classic black leather look. Stay tuned next week - enjoy! :)
cheers, julie
(aka cotton and sparkles, @cottonnsparkles, follow me on instagram)
1. Christian Louboutin Simple 100 Leather Pumps ($625)
2. Prada Platform Pumps ($750)
3. Fendi Black Leather FF Platform Pumps ($550 - on sale!)
4. Giuseppe Zanotti Classic Platform Pumps ($710)
5. Jimmy Choo Cosmic Platform Pumps ($695)
6. Saint Laurent Tribtoo Textured Pumps ($795)
Monday, September 30, 2013
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)
Friday, September 27, 2013
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)
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)
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