Daydreaming about Fall 2014 trends

Even though it is still in the mid 90's here in sunny, Southern California, I am still dreaming about sweaters, leggings, boots, and all things fall. So, I've decided to put together one of my favorite looks for this upcoming fall, inspired by a dainty-punk rock feel, I didn't even know was possible until I looked at BCBGeneration's upcoming Fall 2014 collection.If you're looking for a place where you are really able to showcase your style this fall, BCBGeneration has got your back! With a collection mixing feminine laces and ruffles with punk-rock plaids and edgy accessories, this is a one-stop-shop for all your fall fashion needs.

Here is a look I put together using BCBGeneration's plaid cropped sweater with a feminine black circle skirt, accessorized with BCBGeneration's staple affirmation bracelets.

Affirmation bracelets are a great way to express your mood in a subtle manor, yet it makes a statement. Not only is BCBGeneration known for these "slang" bracelets, but you can be known for them too by simply adding one to your everyday look. My personal favorite it the Make Your Own Affirmations that BCBGeneration has available both in store, and online, but make sure to hurry in and gets yours soon because a little birdy told me they won't be there long!

Tall boots are usually my go-to in fall but this year I'm loving all the booties the fashion gods have to offer! I found these Jeffery Campbell look-a-likes from Love D at the Mission Viejo mall for only $33! Not only do they look the same as JC shoes, but I was able to buy two pairs from Love D for the price of one pair of Jeffery Campbells!

For a final touch, add a clutch to the mix instead of your usual fall tote to keep the look fun and flirty. I love my Michael Kors wristlet/ phone case duo that I found on sale at Nordstrom Rack for $55!

With all this talk about fall, I'm now craving pumpkin spice lattes, and cold, gloomy weather. But for now, I'll remain wishing I was a mermaid at the beach in this beautiful weather, dreaming about this years upcoming fall fashion.

DIY Brown Sugar Scrub

I don't know about you, but spending money on face scrub all the time gets pretty exhausting. If you're like me...first, you see that you need it, so you go to the store to decide which scrub to get, but then your mind plays tricks on you, and sooner or later you realize that you've been walking up and down the isle looking for a scrub for a half hour! Don't get me wrong, scrubs are essential in your weekly skincare regimen, especially during the summer, and there are a lot of REALLY great scrubs made by companies such as Epicuren, Eminence, and Fresh skincare, but those are great products to splurge on, because they are totally easy to make at home. If you're feeling crafty, or are just looking for a new great scrub to use this summer, try making this Brown Sugar scrub...I'm sure you already have everything you need at home!

All you need are three simple ingredients including brown sugar, honey, coconut oil or olive oil and a jar.

In your jar, mix the following together:

1/2 cup Brown Sugar

1/2 cup Honey

Tbsp Coconut oil or Olive oil

If you're feeling extra sweet, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for an extra touch!

Once you have mixed the ingredients together, apply anywhere on your body for a smoothing scrub that isn't harsh on the skin. And don't forget to moisturize after!

Not only is this a great idea for you, but it also works as a great, inexpensive gift for family and friends! Just wrap acute bow on the jar, or add some glitter to make it personalized and you're set and ready to give!

Scrub away!

Sincerely Inspired

There is nothing greater than finding something that you love, and finding something to inspire you to love it more than you already do. Thanks to Julie Sarinana, founder of Sincerely Jules, I have been more inspired than ever in creating outfits, exploring new places, and picturing every moment of it.

Sincerely Jules was founded in 2009, as an outlet to express her thoughts. Little did she know, this outlet would become a place for everyone to become inspired, look for fashion, and live vicariously through Julie in her amazing adventures. If you're in the mood to feel inspired, or you want to get away without the cost, and you haven't checked out her Instagram, I highly recommend it! She makes even the simplest objects seem so amazing and really brings out the beauty in everything.

If that's not enough for you to feel inspired, check out her Sincerely Jules clothing line that can transform a casual look into an amazing outfit. My personal favorite is her "Oh Cheri" shirt with her handwritten touch.

Thank you for keeping me inspired Sincerely Jules!!

Make your Sunday a fun-day at the Anaheim Packing District!

Often times, it seems that you have already done everything possible locally, so there is nothing to do. When this happens to me, I tend to stay in-doors or do something I always do. Don't let this happen to you today!

About a month-and-a-half ago, downtown Anaheim has transformed the traditional Anaheim Packing District, located off of Anaheim Blvd., with new, indie inspired restaurants and eateries. This building seems historic on the outside, but once you enter, it's like you've stepped into a whole new world! There are succulent plants hanging from the ceiling with artwork including giant white roosters and grass as carpeting.

Whether you're into trying something new, or just want to walk around, there is something for everyone at the Anaheim Packing House. A few of my favorites include PopBar, where you can get handcrafted sorbet, gelato, or froyo on a stick and dipped in chocolate with your choice of topping, The Kroft, where comfort food has been reinvented by utilizing fresh, local ingredients, and finally, The Blind Rabbit nmn, a 1920's inspired speakeasy where you can get professionally crafted cocktails made my outstanding mixologists. If you can find the hidden door, only noticeable by a small black rabbit door-handle, ask mixologist Phillip to make you a drink. My favorite was the "Dark Holiday"!

Even though the Anaheim Packing District just recently opened, it is always packed, so be prepared to wait in lines and scurry your way amongst the large crowds of people, but remember it is well worth it!!

The eyeliner of all eyeliners is FINALLY here!!

Don't you hate it when your eyeliner never seems to even out, or it takes you more than three attempts to create the perfect cat-eye?!

Well, you don't need to stress over that anymore thanks to Benefit Cosmetics! The "They're Real! Push-Up Eyeliner" has become my go-to eyeliner when I want to achieve a flawless cat eye look, or just want effortless looking eyeliner! What Benefit calls the "Accuflex tip" allows for the pen to hug the lash line while allowing you to get creative with the look you want to achieve. And, when used with the "They're Real! Mascara" creates an eye-popping look that is trending for Fall 2014! Both They're Real Mascara and Push-Up Eyeliners can be found at Sephora, Ulta and Benefit stores. Get yours today to stay ahead of the game and on-trend for Fall!!

Braids Braids Braids!

If you know me, you know I am a sucker for braids! They are a simple way to change-up your look without going to the extremes of dying or cutting your hair. This Spring, braids are in-trend so what better time to try adding a braid to your outfit to take your look to the next level. Here are a few of my personal favorites to try out:

The Inverted French Braid: For a clever way to update a basic bun or ponytail, add an inverted French braid underneath! If you know how to French braid, all you need to do is flip your hair upside-down and do a regular French braid. To learn how to French braid, you can google different tutorials that show you how. If you're not into the French braid look, add a traditional inverted braid for the same feel. Sometimes when I wear my hair in a ponytail to work, I feel like I am not completely ready for the day (Weird, I know..) but by adding in a cute braid, it makes it look like you put in extra effort while getting ready!

Braided Ponytail: For another cute yet simple ponytail idea, add a chic braid into your pony tail! I must say, this is my go-to when trying to pull my bangs out of my face without using a hair tie or head band. For added texture, and to keep from your braids from laying flat on your head, add a little texturizing powder such as Powder Play by Big Sexy Hair, and lightly pull on the braids until they are as voluminous as desired. After you're done braiding, tie your hair back into a pony and vuala! the perfect way to spice up a basic pony!

The Fishtail Braid: Finally, the last braided look that I am currently in love with, is the mermaidesque Fishtail braid. Whether you're running out of the house with wet hair, or want to add a beachy vibe to your outfit, adding a Fishtail braid can update your look in seconds and is easy to do. Instead of separating your hair into three sections, like French braiding or traditional braiding, you only have to separate it into two! My favotite tutorial for Fishtail braiding comes from The Beauty Department, one of my favorite Beauty Blogs.

Whether you're looking for a new hairstyle, looking to reinvent your Spring look, or are simply looking to try something new, braids are where it's at this season!

Cyn-Full Spring 2014 Beauty Trends

Spring has officially sprung and has brought along some amazing beauty trends that I can't wait to try on myself! My personal favorite beauty trends this season include eye catching red-orange lipsticks, and a healthy, pre-summer, sun-kissed glow!

Sometimes lipsticks can feel like they are drying out your lips, rather then moisturizing them, making it hard to want to wear color. With Revlon's Moon Drops lipstick, your lips get both the amazing color you want in a lipstick, as well as the nourishing feel of luscious lips. My favorite color this season is Orange Flip, creating a not too orange red color that is flattering on almost every skin tone! Besides that, it only retails for $8.99 and can be found at any convenience retailer as well as Target, Walmart and Ulta! If you're looking to splurge a little, try MAC's Morange lipstick retailing at $16.00. Morange has a bit more of an orange color and is a bit more daring than Revlon's Orange Flip, but still looks great on every skin tone.

Another Spring 2014 beauty trend I am head-over-heels for is the pre-summer, skin-kissed, bronze glowing skin! With all the pastels that come along with the spring season, why not mix it up and create a pop of color with healthy bronzed glowing skin. I've talked before about Bella Bronze skin bronzer in my blog, which I am still in love with when it comes to creating a natural looking bronze without the expense of a tanning salon or the damage of UV rays. When it comes to creating a bronze glow on your face, Benefit's Hoola Bronzer is what it's all about. Not only does this bronzer create a healthy looking glow year round, but also doesn't leave behind a shimmer shine that makes it look like your sweating in the sun. Benefit's Hoola has a matte finish making it look natural on your skin as if the sun kissed you himself! All you need to do is brush a little across your forehead, and on the high points of your face including your nose, chin, and cheek bones for a healthy looking pre-summer glow.

Update your look this Spring by trying out a new beauty trend such as red-orange lips, bronzed skin, cobalt blue mermaid eyes or even a feisty black cat-eye liner to add a little spring to your step. Tis' the season!