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Beauty

How to Find Your Signature Scent

My love for perfume goes way back.  I mean so many of my earliest memories are of my mother and  trying on her clothes and shoes and playing in her pretty bottles of Givenchy, Chanel and Chloe.

I remember it made me feel special and fancy and it still does.  I secretly love when people know that I’m around because they can recognized my scent.

When it comes to my signature scent I want it to make you smile.  It’s always soft, clean, fresh and feminine but not over powering; just pleasant and lovely.

Fragrance should never make people wish they had a gas mask in their back pocket.  It should create a positive experience for you and for the people around you.

Perfume also has a close relationship with fashion.  Think of the countless beautiful fragrance ads you see as you flip through a magazine; it’s usually full to the brim with couture: think Natalie Portman, Jennifer Lawerence or Charlize Theron dripping Dior.

Perfume is also the final touch to your look.  It completes your outfit creating this intangible way to tell the world how you feel today if they are ever so fortunate to walk in your scented aura.

So I’m here to help you navigate your way down the aisle endless bottles of perfume so you can narrow down and rock your signature scent.

Oh and it’s okay to be drawn to two or more groups.  Sometimes I’ll want to wear a bolder scent so I’ll spritz on a more oceanic/masculine scent where on other days I’m in a fruity mood.   The majority of the time I’m going to stick to my clean, soft and floral signature scents.

CLEAN/OCEANIC

Just picture it: you’re on a beach rocking an amazing bikini  with perfectly tousled beach waves a la Kristin Ess and a sun kissed glow.

Can you see it?

Now, can you smell it?

Think aromatic notes of fresh crisp nature.  These scents are androgynous and typically are described as clean linen, mountain air or ocean spray and will have you planning your next mountain getaway.  Lake Tahoe anyone?

Honorable Mentions: Marc Jacobs Rain, Aqua di Gio, BVLGARI AqVA pour Homme Marine

 

GREEN

Do you have a thing for a freshly mowed lawn?  Okay, cool!  Me too!   I love the smell it creates and instantly it brings me back to my childhood and playing with my brothers and friends.

These scents are naturally energetic.  They make you feel alive, in bloom and one with nature.  Galbanum is an ingredient that is often found in green scents and is responsible for the “freshly-cut-grass” earthy smell.

Green fragrances would be perfect to wear for an outside event like a cookout or sporting event.

Honorable Mentions: Kate Spade Truly Gracious, Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh

 

FLORAL

For the (wannabe) good girl next door and hopeless romantic these scents are sweet, powdery and ultra feminine.

Floral scents are typically made up of one base flower or it can me accompanied by other accent florals to create bouquet fragrance that creates that feminine romantic appeal.

These are my ultimate faves and depending on the occasion you can wear the perfect floral scent for Girls’ Night Out or date night with your special guy.

Drive him crazy and make him miss you with these…

Honorable Mentions: Kat Von D Saint Eau de Parfum, Replica Flower Market, Miu Miu Fleur d’Argent

 

FRUITY

“Mmm, you smell delicious.”  

And that’s because you do, darling!

Fruity scents are fun, flirty and oh so familiar to your thankful nose because they remind you of delicious ripe and perfumed produce.

🍏🍎🍐🍊🍋🍌🍉🍇🍓🍈🍒🍑🥭🍍🥥🥝

There was a lot of alliteration in that sentence.

The base floral scent is still very much there but accents of fruity notes of apricot, apple and berries create and delicious and delectable fragrant duo.

Just use sparingly!

You don’t want to overwhelm anyone with the entire produce section but you want them to kind of do a double take and want to take in more of your subtle sweetness because most likely they recognize the fruity notes of your perfume but can’t quite put their finger on it.  It’ll be on the tip of their tongue.

Honorable Mentions: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Bloom, Ralph Lauren Tender Romance, Aqua di Gio Sky di Gioia

 

SPICY

People of the world!  Spice up your life!

Did you just sing that line in your head?

Yeah, me too.

The familiar, warm, alluring and well, er spicy scents make you think of ooey gooey baked goods smothered in creamy icing and loads of cinnamon sugar.  These scents are nostalgic and incorporate notes of vanilla, pepper, nutmeg. clove, ginger, cardamon and cinnamon that take you back to your childhood eating gingerbread cookies in front of a roaring fire.

Who am I kidding, that never happened to me when I was kid but let’s pretend.  

These scents are great to wear for any outdoors-y event and guys love it for some reason.  Maybe because it makes them think of warm pastries.

Honorable Mentions: Jo Malone London Oud & Bergamot; Replica By the Fireplace, Fresh Cannabis Santal 

WOODSY

Fierce and unexpectedly feminine, woodsy fragrances are definitely for the confident, no holds bar kind of gal that loves the great outdoors but is totally in touch with her sexuality.  

Think Katniss Everdeen.  Can you picture and imagine the smell now?! 

Heavily influenced by bark, oak moss, patchouli, and bergamot, these scents combined with earthy floral notes create a soothing and sultry fragrance that can be worn by both men and women.

Honorable Mentions:  Moscow Mule, Glossier You, Narisco Rodriguez

 

Perfume, Floral Perfume, Miss Dior, Olfactory NYC, Coach Perfume, Glossier You, Viktor Flowerbomb,

SHOP MY FAVORITE SCENTS 

Stay Lovely!

Beauty

L’Occitane x Rifle Paper Co.

This post is sponsored by L’Occitane.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The great Carrie Bradshaw once said, “They say nothing ever lasts forever; dreams change, trends come and go but friendships never go out of style.”
I  couldn’t agree more!  There is something about a classic.  It’s tried and true; dependable and trustworthy.
Just like my Creative Lady Gang — these women are “mon amours” and I celebrate them today in the spirit of love.
Sure, there maybe a special person in your life, but my girlfriends?
They are my soulmates because they feed and support my creative and entrepreneurial side and I support theirs.
We allow one other to fully be who we are creatively allowing our individuality to shine bright without dimming the light of each other.  It’s truly about women supporting women; it’s more than a hashtag or gimmick.  It’s the real deal.
 Valentine's Day, February 14th, L'Occitane, Rifle Paper Co., France, Provence, Luxury, Shea Butter, Creatives, Women Supporting Women, Girl Gang, Girl Squad, Lauren Conrad, LC Lauren Conrad, Musings of a Curvy Lady, Mon Amours, Creative Women, Rising Tide Society, Together Tuesdays, The Every Girl, That's Darling, Plus Size Fashion, Tulle Skirt, Pink Party Inspo  Valentine's Day, February 14th, L'Occitane, Rifle Paper Co., France, Provence, Luxury, Shea Butter, Creatives, Women Supporting Women, Girl Gang, Girl Squad, Lauren Conrad, LC Lauren Conrad, Musings of a Curvy Lady, Mon Amours, Creative Women, Rising Tide Society, Together Tuesdays, The Every Girl, That's Darling, Plus Size Fashion, Tulle Skirt, Pink Party Inspo  Valentine's Day, February 14th, L'Occitane, Rifle Paper Co., France, Provence, Luxury, Shea Butter, Creatives, Women Supporting Women, Girl Gang, Girl Squad, Lauren Conrad, LC Lauren Conrad, Musings of a Curvy Lady, Mon Amours, Creative Women, Rising Tide Society, Together Tuesdays, The Every Girl, That's Darling, Plus Size Fashion, Tulle Skirt, Pink Party Inspo
 Valentine's Day, February 14th, L'Occitane, Rifle Paper Co., France, Provence, Luxury, Shea Butter, Creatives, Women Supporting Women, Girl Gang, Girl Squad, Lauren Conrad, LC Lauren Conrad, Musings of a Curvy Lady, Mon Amours, Creative Women, Rising Tide Society, Together Tuesdays, The Every Girl, That's Darling, Plus Size Fashion, Tulle Skirt, Pink Party Inspo  Valentine's Day, February 14th, L'Occitane, Rifle Paper Co., France, Provence, Luxury, Shea Butter, Creatives, Women Supporting Women, Girl Gang, Girl Squad, Lauren Conrad, LC Lauren Conrad, Musings of a Curvy Lady, Mon Amours, Creative Women, Rising Tide Society, Together Tuesdays, The Every Girl, That's Darling, Plus Size Fashion, Tulle Skirt, Pink Party Inspo  Valentine's Day, February 14th, L'Occitane, Rifle Paper Co., France, Provence, Luxury, Shea Butter, Creatives, Women Supporting Women, Girl Gang, Girl Squad, Lauren Conrad, LC Lauren Conrad, Musings of a Curvy Lady, Mon Amours, Creative Women, Rising Tide Society, Together Tuesdays, The Every Girl, That's Darling, Plus Size Fashion, Tulle Skirt, Pink Party Inspo  Valentine's Day, February 14th, L'Occitane, Rifle Paper Co., France, Provence, Luxury, Shea Butter, Creatives, Women Supporting Women, Girl Gang, Girl Squad, Lauren Conrad, LC Lauren Conrad, Musings of a Curvy Lady, Mon Amours, Creative Women, Rising Tide Society, Together Tuesdays, The Every Girl, That's Darling, Plus Size Fashion, Tulle Skirt, Pink Party Inspo  Valentine's Day, February 14th, L'Occitane, Rifle Paper Co., France, Provence, Luxury, Shea Butter, Creatives, Women Supporting Women, Girl Gang, Girl Squad, Lauren Conrad, LC Lauren Conrad, Musings of a Curvy Lady, Mon Amours, Creative Women, Rising Tide Society, Together Tuesdays, The Every Girl, That's Darling, Plus Size Fashion, Tulle Skirt, Pink Party Inspo  Valentine's Day, February 14th, L'Occitane, Rifle Paper Co., France, Provence, Luxury, Shea Butter, Creatives, Women Supporting Women, Girl Gang, Girl Squad, Lauren Conrad, LC Lauren Conrad, Musings of a Curvy Lady, Mon Amours, Creative Women, Rising Tide Society, Together Tuesdays, The Every Girl, That's Darling, Plus Size Fashion, Tulle Skirt, Pink Party Inspo
Carissa is the powerhouse behind the lens.  She’s a mother of two and yet still makes time to work on her craft that she happens to be amazing at so effortlessly.
Ashlea is the creative mind behind all the flower arrangements that you see in my photoshoots.  She started her business as many of us do without knowing everything.  Her honest and determined spirit make her so successful and I couldn’t be prouder of her.
Natalie is behind the camera creating videos for my channel.  She is so impressive to be young, humble, kind and so talented.  It was the best decision to slide into her DMs to ask if she wanted to work together.
 Valentine's Day, February 14th, L'Occitane, Rifle Paper Co., France, Provence, Luxury, Shea Butter, Creatives, Women Supporting Women, Girl Gang, Girl Squad, Lauren Conrad, LC Lauren Conrad, Musings of a Curvy Lady, Mon Amours, Creative Women, Rising Tide Society, Together Tuesdays, The Every Girl, That's Darling, Plus Size Fashion, Tulle Skirt, Pink Party Inspo  Valentine's Day, February 14th, L'Occitane, Rifle Paper Co., France, Provence, Luxury, Shea Butter, Creatives, Women Supporting Women, Girl Gang, Girl Squad, Lauren Conrad, LC Lauren Conrad, Musings of a Curvy Lady, Mon Amours, Creative Women, Rising Tide Society, Together Tuesdays, The Every Girl, That's Darling, Plus Size Fashion, Tulle Skirt, Pink Party Inspo  Valentine's Day, February 14th, L'Occitane, Rifle Paper Co., France, Provence, Luxury, Shea Butter, Creatives, Women Supporting Women, Girl Gang, Girl Squad, Lauren Conrad, LC Lauren Conrad, Musings of a Curvy Lady, Mon Amours, Creative Women, Rising Tide Society, Together Tuesdays, The Every Girl, That's Darling, Plus Size Fashion, Tulle Skirt, Pink Party Inspo  Valentine's Day, February 14th, L'Occitane, Rifle Paper Co., France, Provence, Luxury, Shea Butter, Creatives, Women Supporting Women, Girl Gang, Girl Squad, Lauren Conrad, LC Lauren Conrad, Musings of a Curvy Lady, Mon Amours, Creative Women, Rising Tide Society, Together Tuesdays, The Every Girl, That's Darling, Plus Size Fashion, Tulle Skirt, Pink Party InspoFrom right to left: Myself, Carissa, Ashlea and Natalie
I was initially drawn to all of them because of the beautiful work they created and soon quickly we became friends because they embody something authentic.  More than that — we are ladies of a tight knit group of creatives and I love our genuine and sincere support for one another.
That’s why I absolutely love the new products and gifts in the L’Occitane and Rifle Paper Co. collaboration — where the enchantment of Provence meets the ultra-femme loveliness behind this amazing lifestyle stationary brand, showing the beauty, strength, and love behind women empowerment and entrepreneurship.
The classic, decadent, best-selling Shea Butter collection gets a vibrant new look with the feminine flair of Rifle Paper Co.  (which by the way is a woman founded and owned business)!
But this new design is more than a pretty face. These products help to provide economic opportunities for women in Burkina Faso.  Through business development training, L’Occitane empowers over 10,000 women in environmentally friendly shea processing.
Anything from the L’Occitane x Rifle Paper Co. collection would be a perfect gift for the amours in your life.  What better way to celebrate your girl squad, creative tribe or lady gang?!  Make sure to follow me on LikeToKnow.It and use the code “KISS” to get your free gift and save 20% off a future full priced purchase.  Ends 2/14.

Stay Lovely!

Style

Monochrome Suit: Sneakers v. Heels

Could you?  Would you?  I double dare you!

It’s always fun to follow fashion trends as they come and go.  I myself have jumped on a few trend bandwagons; bellbottoms, butterfly clips, mini backpacks, sweater vests and peplum everything!  

I’ve always been a person that loved trends but let’s be real; loving a trend and actually incorporating it IRL are two totally different things.

For example, low waisted jeans.  Like, why?  Why?  Why was that EVER like a thing?! 

Or how about platform black slides?  Your’s truly, definitely had a pair of Steve Madden knock-offs when I was in middle school.  It was very Posh Spice; a Great Value™ Posh Spice but still…

But one trend that I can totally get behind proudly is wearing sneakers with suits.

I love how effortlessly stylish a monochrome suit is and it’s not rocket science to figure out that pairing a killer heel with it would look absolutely amazing.

There is just something about the addition of a sneaker that completely changes the feel of the look from “Miranda Priestly serious” to more of “Ellen” playful and fun.

I’ve seen so many variations of this look on the streets of New York during fashion week and with celebrities too — think Solange, Rihanna, Zendaya, Gigi Hadid and Tracee Ellis Ross.

All sneaker /suit queens.  👸🏿👸🏾👸🏼👸🏻

The key about wearing a trend is to own it!  Make it your own so it looks authentically you and less like a gimmick.

The core of my personal style is modern romantic feminine classics.  I love timeless pieces because, guess what?!  They will always work!

So the monochrome pink suit is very a la Thamarr because you know, pink is kinda my thing.  But my grey runners add a perfect neutral balance against the bright pink and anchors the look quite nicely.

I love how real world wearable this ‘fit is.  It’s stylish and practical.  I don’t have to skip on style or comfort and want to try this with a suit of a different material, maybe linen or pin stripes?!  Lucy Hale recently wore a pin stripe suit to absolute perfection. 

Of course I couldn’t style this awesome suit without a pair of pink heels. I love a little style drama and these pink glittery shoes are the best kind.

So which look do you prefer?  Suit and Sneakers or Suit and Heels?  Let me know in the comments below!

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Stay Lovely!

Wellness

Getting Fit Without the Purpose of Losing Weight

So it’s barely mid January and the arsenal of fitness pages with promotional ads on the latest ways to lose weight, get fit or get bikini body ready is upon us.  Welcome to 2019!

I don’t know about you but I have this crazy idea that I can work out and be active without the intentional purpose to lose weight to meet someone else’s idea of having a great year.

My workouts are selfceare sessions.  I do so much to take care of my other responsibilities I view hitting the gym as a way to take care of me, both mind and body.

I like to set up my workouts in my schedule so I view them as high priority.  Just like I schedule my business meetings or photoshoots.  They are important and help me function and feel strong.

I also like to feel cute when working out so gearing up in fun bright prints helps me get and stay motivated to follow through on my workouts.  So thanks Old Navy!

I love these floral leggings that are high waisted so when I’m hitting the park for some walking lunges I’m fashionable and secure.  Here are some of my current faves from their athletic line.

OLD NAVY ACTIVE WEAR

 

 

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This year I want to challenge myself and do more fitness classes.  Usually when I work out I am all about being in my zone by myself but I want to try classes so I can feed off the positive energy and scope out the athletic fashion too!

Have you tried spin or pilates?  That’s what I am leaning towards… or maybe a timed exercise class like Orange Theory.  Let me know how you get active!

Whatever way you get physical let it be your choice because you want to feel good, not to morph your body to someone else’s narrow minded standards of beauty

Everybody has the right to attend to their personal fitness no matter how their body looks.  I’ll be swagged out in Old Navy Athleticwear and getting myself sweaty selfceare on.

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Stay Lovely!