Denim + Denim













For the most part, we want #GDSL to showcase anything and everything that appeals to our lives and the many hats we wear- attorneys, mommies, yogis, runners, friends, daughters, wives and everything in between.  A big chunk of my daily life is in the office so professional-attire will be a focus for me but every now and then, we may throw a cute casual outfit here on the blog. And guess what? Today is one of those days!  

What do you do with left over Saturday night hair and an early Sunday morning park play date (besides heavily caffeinate)?   You throw on a cute flower headband (I am bananas for big flowers--and feathers, as long as we are on the topic!), jean shorts and a loose, lightweight button down.  I also got to use my new Stella and Dot clutch, which gives this outfit (and any outfit I bet) a nice little pop of color.   Perfect!  Happy day sweet reader! Hope your day is wonderful and thank you so much for stopping by! Xo Michelle

Moody (Navy) Blues

 

Well hello there! Let me tell you about the crazy weather that was going on when I was taking these pictures-- it got cloudy and rainy really quickly and COLD (Southern California cold. So like, 69 or 70. Freezing, in other words) The good news is that even though it was windy (read: hair flying everywhere) and my teeth were chat chat chattering, the sky turned an amazing pink. We've been over this before but I am practically dumbfounded over sunsets. Actually, the sky in general. My phone is full of pictures of great big clouds and beautiful skies full of pinks and red.  I look up at the sky all of the time and it rarely disappoints and really, how can you have a bad day with all of that beauty surrounding you?  Answer: You can't!  Take my word for it. Look up.

I would have to think about whether I would wear this outfit to work because it might be a little short for a law office (for me anyway). I am really particular about the length and silhouette of pieces because dressing for the office as a woman is (for better or worse) establishing credibility and nothing undermines that faster than a too short hemline or too much cleavage.  Maybe someday, we can all be judged by what is on our inside but until we stumble into that Utopia, I'm not taking any chances!!   I think this little set is perfect for an after- work function or dinner and a show. The skirt and shirt are both from Zara and are a really nice quality- heavy and textured.  It's a deep, beautiful shade of navy, too. In the summer, it would be really cute with a neutral strappy sandal and an arm full of bangles.  I pulled this bag out of the closet for the first time in a long while. I love this bag. Wait, I love all bags.  I have every Gucci bag I've ever purchased going back maybe 15 years and I never sell them.  They are like family to me.  I'm a Gucch-a-holic (we all have our problems though, am I right!?)  😊

We hope your day and your week are just lovely and hey! Thank you so much for stopping by!  Xoxo 🎀🍭Michelle

The City of Angel's Favorite Skin Care

Spa Manager Allison Marks (R) in Arcona's beautiful Los Angeles-based studio (being interviewed for pop sugar!) 

Hello dear readers! Among other addictions (shoes, lip gloss, Swedish Fish), I am obsessed with beauty products. But especially products for my skin. I've never been one to wear foundation or powder and because of that, I need my skin as clear and nourished as possible.  All skin care is not created equal and the key is to find that elusive product that actually does what it says it will do (and anyone with drawers full of failed lotions and masks knows how rare this is, right?) Fellow skin care lovers, let me introduce you to Los Angeles-based Arcona studio and to Allison Marks, Arcona's spa director, New York Fashion Week contributor (and my dear, treasured friend!)  Allison introduced me to this line and I have used it faithfully for at least a few years and I love it.  Seriously love it. I thought I'd corner Allison and ask her to share her wisdom with us! 

 GDSL- Hello beautiful Allison! Tell us what makes Arcona different? 

AM- This entire line of products is made with pure, organic ingredients but each product is also backed by science. Inotherwords, they really work!  Arcona understands the importance of putting ingredients on your skin that are good for you but also understands that its customers want to see results. These goals are perfectly understood by Arcona and our line really reflects this.  We use active, cosmeceutical-grade ingredients that really pack a punch, in small batches to keep them fresh!

GDSL- What is your favorite Arcona product? 

 AM- I am in love with our Vitamin A and C serums. I think every woman should have these two products in their daily routine.  I recommend both an AM and a PM serum under your moisturizer.  Our Vitamin A Complex and Youth Serum are just amazing.  They are the worker bees of the skin care line (really, all of our products are incredibly effective, especially if rotated seasonally) and they will produce results. Depending upon your skin's sensitivity, the Vitamin A should be used less frequently than the Vitamin C (which can be used everyday under your daily hydrator) 

 GDSL- What do you think is the most important thing a woman can do for her skin? 

 AM- I think there are a few things. First and foremost, wear sunscreen. It really is so important to protect your skin from future damage. Especially if you are treating your skin with these wonderful products, you want to make sure that you aren't canceling out that effort with sun damage.  Reozone 40 is Arcona's tinted, oil-free sunscreen and it is literally amazing. So good for your skin. Also,  make sure you completely remove your make-up at night before you go to sleep. It’s a hassle when you are tired, I know, but it will allow these products to really work while you sleep. Finally, your Mom probably told you this, but get a good night's rest. Even if you can't get 8 hours (Editor's note: who can?) try to get as much as you can.  Your face will love you!

GDSL- If a person wanted to jump right into the Arcona System, what would you recommend? 

 AM- Our Basic Five Regimen is the perfect place to start.

It is customized to your skin type and it includes in the AM: exfoliate/cleanse, hydrate, protect and in the PM: cleanse/tone and regenerate.   You can add other products to this but these really give you a solid skin care foundation to build from.

Thank you so much beautiful  Allison! Go check out these and other products at www.arcona.com  or email Allison with any questions at allison@arcona.com.  Happy day all and thanks so much for stopping by! xo Michelle 

 PS- I love the gommage scrubs (like grainy little pieces of sand, scrubbing away all of the bad stuff!) and the face masks (I use the scrubs and the masks in the shower each morning --Raspberry Resurfacing and Tea Tree are my favs--and I rotate through them ... oh my gosh! Does my husband just luuuvv all of the tubes and jars "we" have in the shower! :)) I just wear lotion and sunscreen on my face  and I'm telling you! These products keep my face glowing! ...  If anyone has any questions about what I use or what works- just ask! 

Blush Crush

I love all of the Coachella inspired fashion that comes out around this time each year. But I feel like a lot of it is just not practical for my lifestyle- I am crazy about this hat but seriously. Could you imagine me in a flowy sundress and a fringey bag, wearing this hat and walking with a client (assuming I still had one) into Court? "Your Honor, let me take off my flower crown before we begin".  Riiigghhht.   I am always trying to take whatever the trends are and adapt them to my lifestyle. 5 days of the week- I am in lawyer mode. Weekends? Mostly yoga pants and anything that lets me move and do mommy things!  When I saw the hat at Nordstrom, I wanted something a little more versatile than a festival type sundress to wear it with.  I spotted this white eyelet skirt (also at Nordstrom) and was sold.  I think it will also look so cute with a graphic t and some Chucks, or maybe a zip up hoodie and some flat sandals.  And this little leather bag... I got it on Etsy ( I am a HUGE supporter of small businesses, especially those run by women) and the monogramming. I am UHbsessed with it. Everything I own that can be monogrammed... is. I love it. Its sort of unhealthy, how much I want to monogram things. Almost everything my daughter wore until age 3 was initialed.  I was trying to talk my husband into giving our dogs a middle name so we could get them monogrammed collars (totally normal, right?)

This was such a fun shoot. First, I am outdoors and I love anything that gets me out of the house and into the sunshine.  I am a high energy gal and prone to skipping, leaping etc at the drop of a (floppy, blush-colored) hat.  It doesn't take much to make me happy :) Plus, it was the magic hour- that dusky time of the day when its not yet night, but no longer day- you know? I love LOVE this time. Dusk is my favorite.  I feel like anything can happen- and (judging by my leap) - it did!   It's the dancer in me (or in my head)! Thank you so much for stopping by and we hope your week is amazing! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @golddustandsugarlust. xoxo Michelle