Stylish Couples: "Duos Who Dress Together, Stick Together"

Watching stylish couples walk presentably side-by-side is like seeing love on Cloud 9. That giddy feeling between two lovers is hyped up even more by seeing a duo look as compatible physically as they presumably are intellectually. Like the Yin to his and her Yang, it's like watching a movie portrait come to life. It's like walking through your very own romantic film, allowing life's occurrences to organically make every moment a polaroid moment. "Life is love... and love is life". Come what may, they'll give rain or shine a run for its money.

(photo credit: garbagelapsap.com)

How about Hollywood's hottest couples?

Well, the truth is, any couple can hire a stylist to coordinate two people for a red carpet appearance. But the biggest trial to test their style compatibility is their off-duty fashion match-up! Among my favorites?

VS model, Miranda Kerr and her husband, actor Orlando Bloom.

Kings of Leon lead singer, Caleb Followill and his stunning wife, VS model, Lily Aldridge.

Actress, Jennifer Aniston and her longtime beau, Justin Theroux. Every time I see her wandering about with him in these candid photos, I can't help but feel like she took a sip of the cool-kid, Kool-Aid and added some edge to her image as "America's Sweetheart".

The Amazing Spider Man on-screen and off-screen couple, Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield.

New York Socialite and model, Olivia Palermo and her equally attractive German boyfriend, model Johannes Huebl.

Actress Diane Kruger and longtime boyfriend, actor Joshua Jackson. I must say, Joshua went through a style crash course ever since he was paired with the fashionably aware actress.

Actress, Kate Beckinsale and her husband, Underworld director Len Wiseman.

Although Josh Hartnett and his Norwegian ex-girlfriend, Sophia Lie didn't make it as a couple, I feel like it's a crying shame because I always admired their style compatibility as a couple!

Xx. J

"I Love My... Celine Crossbody Box Bag"

Model off duty, Alessandra Ambrosio, is seen here toting her very own Celine bag. Ambrosio is considered the epitome model citizen of the Cali-girl, casual, cool crowd. 

Coveted by off duty models and the everyday girl, Celine's Crossbody Box Bag has evolved according to the hottest color trends of the seasons. Transcending from smooth, classic leather textures to embossed python textures, this bag is a serious keeper. Light-weight and practical in size, this bag can fit your everyday necessities whether dressed for day or night. Classic, compact, and chic. The only question you should have is how you choose to style it up or down.

Gossip Girl actress, Leighton Meester has also been spotted in the past religiously carrying this Celine bag in a smaller size all about Manhattan in a royal red.

Other ways this lovely bag has been styled in a day's look:

(photo credit: stockholm-streetstyle.com)

Xx. J

Psychedelic Trend: Paisley Print and Funky Eyewear

Okay, so as much as many of us hate to admit it, black has not been the standard selection shoppers tend to reach for (or in terms of us online shopoholics, we catch ourselves scrolling down the color menu to see what other colors are available).

"Basic Black" has not necessarily been put on the back burner, but a color frenzy has definitely taken center stage for quite some time this past season. From the gradient ombre of colors to color blocks, the latest trends have been reacquainting themselves with some blasts from the past. Never in my mind did I think I would practice the courage to incorporate neon into my wardrobe in fear of resuscitating my fashion-frightworthy moments of neon scrunchies, tube socks, and fanny packs from the 80's. Next thing I know, I seemed to master the skill in modernizing neon like skipping 1-2-3.

Now that the trends of the season have constantly presented us with daring ways to reinvent ourselves, what's your take on: Paisley Prints and Psychedelic Eyewear?

And no, let's avoid making a tribute to Austin Powers.

Psychedelic Eyewear - Say hello to the offspring to our favorite cat-eyed frames by Thierry Lasry, a brand highly coveted by many A-list stars. Among its most popular fans? Jessica Alba and Eva Mendes can't seem to get enough of their funky shades. Dressed up, dressed down, these two have made these fun, colorful shades their new staples!

Paisley Print - Stella McCartney and Jill Sanders have jumped on the retro-patterned bandwagon. Silent and subtle? Think again! Their runway take of the trend is definitely loud in expression, but if you are considering taking a more modest take on this trend take some inspiration from Fergie and models Alexa Chung and Miranda Kerr!

Xx. J

The Bare Necessities: Beauty, Quenchers, and Lifestyle

Resort Resources

When it's time to make a sweet escape, it's always nice to get back to the bare necessities in life. The morning is your launch pad in directing the rest of your day. A good night's sleep, rising to a nice latte, all followed by an aimless walk on the beach helps to set the carefree tone for the day.

Among my vacation necessities?

1. Moroccan Oil - "The Cult Favorite": Tames the frizz without leaving an oily residue, this hair products works wonders when hair just seems to take a life of its own. This moisturizing, natural product has turned me into a devoted believer in the existence of an anti-frizz hair products that adds the perfect amount of shine without the unpleasant residue. Even better? My hair seems to maintain its health and shine even in this summer heat!

2. Bb Bumble and Bumble's Surf Spray and Bb Texture Creme - "The California Girl Staples": I used to only use the Surf Spray that magazines always claimed asthe miracle product to help you achieve that "just returned from a day by the beach" kind of look. But I discovered its partner-in-crime to help achieve the perfect beach waves for my thick hair. Using the Surf Spray alone always seemed drying on my hair, leaving just as much residue as frizz by the next morning. But I think I have discovered the solution to the problem.

How-To Tips and Tricks:

1. Sparingly spray your locks mid-strand to ends, avoiding the roots. Spraying directly at the roots will only cause your hair to weigh down due to the product build-up. Be careful! Initially spraying too much product will cause your hair to feel nappy and dry. Sparingly spray and slowly build. After spraying, use your hands to gently scrunch your hair from tips to mid-strand to form subtle waves. 

2. To avoid making your hair look frizzy and dry at the tips, use a dot-sized amount of the Bb Texture Creme, rubbing it between your fingertips to subtly warm the product. Pinch the tips of your waves only at the bottom half of your strands to separate and give your hair a piece-y effect. This helps add some definition and texture to your beach-inspired waves!

3. Pellegrino - "When Water Gets Boring": Pellegrino is my friend when I need that refreshing taste of bubbly without all the sugar. Hydration is key, but the truth is, water starts to bore me at times.

4. iPad - "My Satellite to the Real World": Even while on vacation, I like to keep in touch with the world around me, my friends, and family back home.  I find it necessary to always lug my iPad with me when solitude doesn't seem to cut it and I need to be reminded of life back home. Even better? Playing Fruit Ninja while unwinding in a tub full of bubbles!

5. The Wayfarer - "the Shades You Can't Shake": My outfits change day to day. When I feel like dressing edgier or more city-chic, I tend to reach for my aviators. But the shades that seem to work with anything are the stylista's best friend, the wayfarers. Easy to pair for the casual look and easy to wear for a classic feel.

Xx. J

"Clutch Me If You Can"

Truth is, even on an uneventful day or over booked day, this would be the visual projection of a woman's thoughts on what to wear and pair for the day. Frightening for the inexperienced, typical for the experienced. As if a daunting, blank stare before your morning cup of coffee wasn't challenging enough, then comes the action I like to call:

hoarding: v. the action one takes (to utterly and completely) disregard the concept of focusing on the "if I were-trapped-on-a-desert-island" type of essentials.

Hurts the brain doesn't it? Surviving the day's summer heat wave is enough to bear. Ease the load and leave the extra baggage at home. For the upwardly mobile busy bee, it's time to think like a survivor and turn to those summer clutches! Scrimp on the weight but in no way, and may I repeat, in no way shall you succumb to scrimping on impeccable style.

The Rundown! 3 Types of Clutches Every Woman Should Own + the 3 "Zooshoos" I Would Pair Them With:

Croc Print

Clutch: ASOS Leather Croc Metal Bar Clutch

Zooshoo's: Vintage FRANCHESKA-03 Spike Heel Ankle Boot -Coral

Color Block Envelope

Clutch: Aldo's Kleffner Color Block Envelope Clutch

(Left) Zooshoo's: Qupid NEUTRAL-284 Spike Cap Toe Pump

(Right) Zooshoo's: Qupid POTION-05 Gold Pointy Cap Toe Pump

Contrast Texture

Clutch: Adriana Castro Perla Clutch in Orangeade

Zooshoo's: DV by Dolce Vita Notty - Pink Leather

Xx. J

Telegram: "Chapter 3: If You Were Mine..."

The latest post I wrote for Zooshoo.com's blog:

I hate when people think that fall/winter items should be neglected during the warmer seasons. Sure, above-the-knee boots are suicidal for this heat wave going about us, but booties are still welcomed in my book...

"If you were mine..."

... I would take you out for a walk even when the sun's high and I haven't had a chilly day since. You'll never get neglected even in the summer heat. I'd make you the center of my everyday California-cool look with a pair of cut-off denim shorts and a slouchy, heather gray shirt. I'll jazz it up with my favorite accessories and throw a tribal-patterned hobo handbag to roam about my day channeling my inner hippie. Take in the sun and get on with my day. Easy, comfortable, yet cool.

Featuring: 

Sam Edelman LOUIE Fringe Bootie

What I love about these booties are that they have the perfect little heel to add height and the folding of the top rim actually helps creates a minor dip around the ankle to lengthen the legs. The fringe jumps on the train of one of the trends that has been lingering about throughout the trends of each season. To tell you the truth, there's more than meets the eye when it comes to these booties. Slip one on and see the flattering effect these shoes have for those who are both content and even insecure with their thighs and calves.

Summer's here and hemlines are only getting shorter. Might as well find something other than flip flops and sneakers to spice up those summer shorts without having to go overboard with high heels.

Xx. J