5.20.2018

Swim Season

Marysia Swim Kelp Palm Springs


The annual swimwear assessment is upon us. It's almost Memorial Day, which is the semi-official start to bathing suit season. It's the time of year to assess how those #beachbod goals are actually going and which suits are going to "cover your needs" currently. This is my latest acquisition from my perma-fave Marysia. Here's what I want you to know about this line: 

1. Yes, it's expensive. If you are looking for more affordable try thisthis or this. But Marysia is worth the investment.
2. Their signature fabric is the most forgiving swim material I've ever encountered.
3. Yes, figuring out the right size or style can be tricky, but once you do you'll be forever loyal.

Here's what I'd say about the sizing - generally speaking it all runs kinda small. I get M or L in everything. Some styles are definitely skimpier and less supportive than others, but there are some fabulous options if you're looking for more coverage. I'll highlight some styles below for different tastes/body shapes, and I've got my seasonal faves in the little gallery below the post. 

Maillots

1. Pallisades Ruffle Maillot - the ruffle is perfect for a little added camo, and you get good bahonkus coverage, but the lower neckline and crossback straps add some jazz. Totally wearable for medium activity. Be aware that the lighter colors will not give you as much privacy! Works with both boobs or no boobs.

2. Palm Springs Maillot - one of their classic shapes, it's made in the amazing fabric I mentioned earlier which gives you a little structure and compression without digging into any of your softer spots. Great coverage, and a good option for active peoples - like moms chasing kids. Works with both boobs or no boobs.

3. Venice Maillot - I love this style because it makes you feel like you're wrapped up like a present. It is good for sunbathing/lounging/pool sitting but not heavy activity. There is very little support, but it does give good coverage and it's adorable. Same advice as above on the lighter colors - I think the terracotta would be fine. I'd recommend for small or medium boobs. There's also a bikini version which is adorbs.

Bikinis

1. Antibes Top - classic, cute, only recommend for smaller boobs. No support so don't go jogging!

2. Palm Springs Top - great coverage, a bit more supportive than the others since the back is more substantial. You can move around well in this one. Recommend for any bust, but it's a great option for bigger boobs!

3. Mott Bikini Top - This is another one that's good for all boobs. Good coverage and relative support. 

4. Antibes Bottom - same as the top, cute and classic. It's a skimpy bottom, but like I said before, the amazing material and the way they stitch the seams mean that it won't cut into your squishy bits. Take note - the Broadway bottom is similar coverage but it has a solid seam at the waist ( so no scalloping ) which means that it's slightly less forgiving. But similar look. 

5. Santa Monica Bottom - much more coverage and super comfy if you're active or self-conscious. Love the high waist look. A classic. If you want something in between Antibes and Santa Monica try the Spring bottom. It's a nice blend of the two. 

6. Piana Peplum - cute peplum bottom and lots of coverage, so it's very forgiving. Nice high waist too! 

As always, shoot me an email if you have any fit or color questions! Don't forget to sign up for the Marysia emails - they send you a 10% off code!




5.13.2018

Breakfast Nooking




If you saw my recent post you'll know we've moved into a new home and I'm in the process of getting our sh*! together - and trying to do as much of the design work as I'm able on my own. So our living and breakfast rooms open into each other which I like, I'm ok with a little bit of open floor plan but I'm not about that full on open floor plan life. We've got a little separation (and we do have a separate dining room which I really wanted) but the spaces still need to have cohesion, so I'm pulling from some of the green notes in the living room into the breakfast nook. The crown jewel of this whole space is the painting by Raven Roxanne Wilson, titled "Silence After The Rain" - it's not the exact one in this image but it's similar. I felt like I won the lottery when we snagged this piece, I'd been a fan of her work for years but her Bird series spoke to me so deeply that I was moved to get aggressive about getting one. (Her releases sell out in a blink so I had to be on top of things!) It's dictating a lot of the accents etc. An amazing el cheapo find I've been using as a temporary solution for dining chairs are THESE bad boys. You will not believe what a big bang for the buck you'll get out of these, and they're super versatile. When we finally pull the trigger on these chairs I'll be keeping the folding chairs for entertaining etc. Everyone - including the hubs - loves the barstools, they're beautiful, obvi, but they're also super comfortable. The vinyl upholstery cleans off super easily. There are several color and finish combos in this chair (and they come in a dining chair height too). In other news, our couch should be here next week which I think will be life changing, and I've got some accent pillows in the works. I'll have pics once everything is perfecto-ish, I'm also planning on posting about our bedroom which I'm OBSESSED with now that it's like 85% done. As always email me with any sources questions!



Run Like The Wind

Nike Cortez ALC Running Shoes

So what started out as a search for new fitness shoes inevitably turned into fashun shoes. I found these sick Nike + A.L.C. sneakers and just gave up on the fitness thing. These are Nike's classic Cortez style with some tricked out details like gold tipped laces and snake skin accents. They're super comfy and great for adding a little extra to a basic look. Shop them here + check out the gallery below for some other faves!




Nike Cortez ALC Running Shoes

Nike Cortez ALC Running Shoes

Nike Cortez ALC Suede Running Shoes

Nike Cortez ALC Suede Running Shoes

Nike Cortez ALC Suede Running Shoes


5.05.2018

Manis + Margs!


Hey guys! One of the fun things about owning a nail salon is that you occasionally have a built-in theme for nail design! Cinco De Mayo is an excellent opportunity to let our nail stylists show off their talent - and it's a good excuse to invite some friends over and fire up the blender. We are celebrating this festive day with some Manis + Margs (and tacos)! 

I want to share my very favorite margarita recipe - it's super easy and EXTREMELY crowd-pleasing!

Party Margs:

1 Can Minute Maid frozen Limeade
1 can or bottle of (light) Mexican beer
Tequila of your choice
(we use Patrรณn or Casamigos)
Ice Ice Baby
Grand Marnier

In the blender:
1 can of Limeade
1 bottle of light Mexican beer
fill empty Limeade can at least halfway with tequila, add to mix
fill with ice
BLEND

add a splash of Grand Marnier right before serving for added deliciousness!

The Patron Mini Margs are a bit of work (I mean obvi worth it, but def plan on the struggle being real). If you want pointers feel free to shoot me an email!

All of our manis + nail designs are c/o PAINTBASE North Hills
with work by Anna, Cameron, Deja and Nelci

Tablecloth // Margarita Glasses // Serving Tray // Pitcher (similar) or this // Cobalt Dress (same style)










 

design + development by kelly christine studio