WANTED. FALL OUTERWEAR

I kind of despise "Pre Fall." Living in Los Angeles, it infuriates me to see fall sweaters and jackets in stores starting July while its 90+ outside. Especially when September in LA tends to be the hottest month. 
Despite my dislike for quick retail seasonal turnover, fall is my favorite time of year. I love everything about it, the jackets, the layering the fall colors. I am seeing fall clothing everywhere and it's got me craving vests,  jackets and coats. Here is what I've got my eye on...

Faux Fur Vests


Jackets

Coats

MY MAKEUP BAG PART II

You will have to excuse my late post today. I am recovering from a fantastic bachelorette weekend in Las Vegas. I have fun photos from my weekend that I promise to post sometime this week!

Here is a list of face, hair and body products I can't get enough of...


Loreal Eye Makeup Remover $6.59, I use this everyday and have for years. It is delicate, oil free and best of all inexpensive!
Alba Coconut Cream Lip Balm $3.49 is organic, hypoallergenic and smells delicious.
I am crazy about Korres Wild Rose Moisturizer $35. I love the way it feels on my face, better than anything else I have used.

 I can't even begin to say how important sunblock is for a fair skinned gal like me. I have worn it everyday of my life since I was 11 years old. I use Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock SPF 60 $11.88. I have very sensitive skin so this works great for me. It melts right in to my skin which I love, I hate greasy sunblocks on my face.

I get really dry skin so sometimes I mix Aquafor Healing Ointment $13.72 and Alba Kakui Nut Organic Body Oil $5.59 for the perfect body moisturizer. It gives your skin that sexy sheen perfect for a warm summer night and it smells like Hawaii!
I have tried my fair share of self tanners and for the price point, Loreal Sublime Bronze in Dark $9.49 works the best for me. The only thing I dislike about it is the sparkles it leaves on your skin after applying it. They wash right off after you shower, but that means for the 8 hours or so you need to leave it on, you look a little Vegas.
Korres Body Butter in Fig $21. The smell is intoxicating (I love anything fig) and feels luxurious on your skin.


I use Davines NouNou Shampoo 19.90 and Conditioner $19.17. It protects my color treated hair and make my hair soft without weighing it down. 

There is a reason why Loreal Elnett Satin Extra Stong Hold $13.99 is used by all the celebrity hair stylists, it works! I holds my waves perfectly and smells kind of like musk (one of my favorite scents).
Batiste Colored Dry Shampoo in Black $5.06 was introduced to me by my English roomie a few years back. It brings your hair back to life and because it's slightly colored it doesn't leave you hair with that white residue that some dry shampoos do. I don't have black hair, its brown, but the black is not that dark so I suggest it for all you brunettes.
 John Frieda Luxurious Volume Thickening Spray $5.24 is genius. I use this on my wet hair before I blow dry and it gives my fine hair lift and volume.

MY MAKEUP BAG

People often ask me what makeup and products I use and love, so I thought I would share them with you.


What's in my makeup bag...

I mix Korres Wild Rose Foundation and Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer together. I love the way the Korres Foundation looks and feels, but I love the shimmer and the dewiness of the Stila Tinted Moisturizer. 
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage concealer is the best I have used. I love the color duo so you can mix for the perfect coverage.  
Stila Lip Glaze in apricot and papaya are my two go to glosses. Some people don't like the stickiness, but that's exactly why I love it. It actually stays on!
I love Tarte Tipsy Cheek Stain, the peachy color is perfection. 
I use Anastasia Brow Powder Duo to fill in my eyebrows. This completely changes my face (for the better). Never underestimate the power of an eyebrow.

Stila Eyeshadow in Moonlight is subtle, shimmery, and makes my eyes appear bigger. I also brush a little on the inner corner of my eye, under my eyebrow and sometimes on the dip of the top of my lips for the perfect pout. 
I swear by Cover Girl Line Exact Eyeliner in very black. It's liquid so it stays on all day, but in pen form so its much easier to use.
I've tried every mascara under the sun and Maybelline Pulse Perfection in blackest black works best for me. It separates my lashes and makes them sky high.

And last but not least, my favorite red lipstick. I searched for the perfect orangey-red for months and found it in Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in ravish me red.


On the next edition, I will share all my favorite body and hair products.


I am so excited Friday is here! I'm off to Vegas for my friend's bachelorette weekend. It's sure to be a blast!
Happy Weekend Everyone!!!

I AM LOVING MY...

I frantically looked for a dress for Las Vegas yesterday with no such luck. Why is it, when you have something specific to buy it is nowhere to be found? Well that's not totally true, I found the perfect dress, but it was $400. Yeah. Not. Happening. 
Ah well, I am determined to make something in my closet work. I did however have incredible shoe luck! Shoes are usually hard for me, I have chubby feet (that look like a 6 year olds) and most cute shoes just don't fit. Yesterday was my day because I found two pairs of shoes that were exactly what I have been looking for and actually fit my feet. A brown wedge and a sexy black heel. To make things better, they were both on sale, score! So I had to share...

Steve Madden Tatianna Wedges $89.95 on website, on sale in store. 
Very similar to these Cynthia Vincent's.

INC Marona Sandals from Macy's, $98 on website, on sale in store. 
These are so comfortable and look amazing on.

SWEET STYLE. THE LOST FILES



I had every photographers nightmare happen last week. I lost hundreds of photos after my cf card got corrupted (don't ask me how). They were more photos of my recent trip to the bay area. I can now breath easy, most of them were recovered by the genius software Don't Panic.  I can't tell you how thrilled I am! With no further ado...

The adorable cows at a dairy farm in Marshall


James and the beautiful deco movie theater in Fairfax


A bridge in Ross
wearing: 
elizabeth and James top
zara cardigan
madewell skinny ankle jeans
vintage ankle boots from etsy
foley and corinna bag
Jewelry first seen here and here 
nail polish opi my private jet

REBECCA TAYLOR. SALE

Rebecca Taylor is absolutely one of my favorite designers. Her clothes are the epitome of feminine, sexy and chic. All things I would like to be. I collect a few of her pieces a year and let me say that her clothes are timeless and I still adore them all years later.
Sadly there is no Rebecca Taylor store on the west coast, so us Angelinos are are limited to the few boutiques and department stores that sell her clothes. But, did you know that Rebecca Taylor sells her entire collection through her website? And she is having a massive sale with huge markdowns on all the Spring/Summer 2010! The prices are the best I've seen, so it's not to be missed. Here are a few of my favorite items on sale ...

Everyday Top $150 (originally $250)
This top is beautiful and romantic. Perfect for many occasions.
Twill Slouch Trouser $86 (originally $215)
I am loving the trouser trend. Don't get me wrong, I love my blue jeans but trousers are a fun way to dress up an outfit. These look so comfy and chic and the lavender-gray color goes with everything.

Waterfall Ruffle Dress $118 (originally $295)
I have a version of this dress from last summer in a purple-blue and It is one of my favorites. It's so flattering on! Love love love.

Granola Hoodie $158 (originally $395)
This looks so cozy and it's perfect for fall. 

Perfect Party Dress $210 (originally $350)
The name says it all.
Scarlet Gadot Skirt $150 (originally $325)
This skirt is so flirty and I am loving the red color. It would look great paired with a green army jacket.

NAIL POLISH OF THE MOMENT

I've been getting lots of comments on my nail polish du jour, so I thought I would share. I have been rocking this metallic-gray color. I know it's summer, but when it comes to nail polish  these days, I think anything goes. I love it, it's neutral and goes with everything, but the sparkle makes it fun. This is a color that will take you right in to fall...

It's only $2.65 on Amazon!

SWEET STYLE. VENICE

James and I had some work to do in Venice yesterday so we thought we would make a day of it and have a little photo shoot. Venice is a beach town, and probably the most casual place in Los Angeles. Flip flops, t-shirts, jeans and bohemian maxi dresses are the uniform here. So I dressed appropriately...

wearing:
f21 tank 
winter kate guatemalan jacket 
earnest sewn harlan jeans 
pink studio sandals
jewelry first seen here  
urban outfitters knuckle ring 


Happy Weekend!! xx

BACHELORETTE IN VEGAS

I've been looking for a Vegas appropriate dress, for my friend's upcoming bachelorette party. Something a little flashier than normal, not to slutty or tacky and still "my style" has proven harder than expected. Las Vegas is the place to bring out your inner Kim Kardashian and flaunt what you got. Here is a round-up of stylish, sexy dresses that should help get you in to any Vegas club...



WANTED. MORE CHEVRON

If you read Sweet Thing, I think it is clear by now that I love all things chevron. Examples here and here. I recently saw these two chevron items on shopbop and immediately added them to my wish list. Although, I might have to wait for them to go on sale. Sigh...

Loving the deco-ish clasp, and the attached chain strap!

This combines two of my favorite things, chevron and feathers. And it's the perfect length!

SWEET STYLE. MOUNT TAM

James and I decided last minute to drive up to Marin County for the weekend, to see his family. I love an impromptu adventure, so I threw some clothes in a bag and we were off.  Marin is truly one of the most magical places on earth. We met some friends Saturday on top of the breathtaking Mount Tam, to watch the sunset. What a treat!..

wearing:
twelfth street by cynthia vincent sweater
madewell skinny ankle jeans
urban outfitters t-shirt
vintage shoes from etsy

A SWEET HOUSE . MY HOUSE

As you know my house tour was posted on Apartment Therapy this last Friday, and I am thrilled with all the lovely comments and constructive criticism. This was my first time photographing an interior and I have lots to learn I am sure. I love my home and I feel lucky to wake up there everyday. There has been a lot of interest in my paint colors. I happen to be up in the bay area right now, but as soon as I am home in LA I will post them. If you haven't seen Jessie's Vintage Modern Bungalow yet, here it is (plus a few exclusive photos that weren't in the tour)...

Upon opening the gate to my 1923 bungalow, you're immediately surrounded by lush greenery, trees, and a marvelous red front door. It's hard to imagine that it was not always a “sweet thing" — when I found the place it was dilapidated, but I saw potential. It had beautiful bones, it just needed some love. 
It's a warm space with color on the walls, lots of light, dark wood floors and a wonderful mixture of old and new furnishings. I wanted to honor the authentic vintage aspects of the home and still bring in some newer more modern elements. I immediately added dark floors and the look-through from the dining room to the kitchen to give it a more open feel. When I am entertaining I don’t want to feel like I’m hiding from my guests.
My father’s rock and roll photographs of Nico, The Mamas and the Papas and The Rolling Stones adorn the walls. Music and photography are very important to me. I think that is reflected in my home. I am a big believer in taking your time to find the pieces you really love. I still feel like my house is a work in progress, but every year it gets closer to being a truer reflection of me.
 
Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: Vintage-Modern and a little bohemian
Inspiration: My dad’s rock and roll photographs, my mom’s hippie modeling photos from the 70’s, old Issues of Domino Magazine, The Ace Hotel Palm Springs, Apartment Therapy Small Cool.
Favorite Element: My favorite element has got to be the side porch. I try to be out there every second I can be, even in the rain. My friends have even named my house “the porch.” We have spent many a night out there with a bottle of wine (or two).
Biggest Challenge: When I first moved in it was kind of a nightmare. It had been rented for the past ten years by the same couple. They had not done a good job of keeping it up. Every plant outside was dead, the walls were cracked, the floors white washed, the kitchen had not been touched since the early 80’s. I knew I had a job on my hands, but I saw the potential. The challenge was money and time. I renovated the place in three weeks on a very limited budget. Thanks to my mom who is diy queen and a bargain shopper, we made it happen.
What Friends Say: They say it's cozy, creative, stylish.
Biggest Embarrassment: Ha, well right now I am in the process of looking for a new TV cabinet, so I guess I would say my stand in. I covered the stand with a lovely Pendleton blanket to hide what’s underneath. You don’t want to see what’s under there.
Proudest DIY: Installing dimmers on all of my light switches and painting a chalkboard wall in my kitchen. I felt so crafty.
Biggest Indulgence: My two-drawer dishwasher. It’s brilliant and saves loads of water.
Best Advice: Collect things over time. Search craigslist daily. Don’t be afraid to mix and match eras.
Dream Sources: Morocco, Flea Markets, Etsy, Room and Board, ABC Carpet and Home, Dwell, John Robshaw, Anthropologie

Resources of Note:

Appliances: Kitchen-Aid (dishwasher), Frigidaire (fridge and washing machine), O’Keefe and Merritt (stove)

Kitchen Cabinets: Cabinet Factory Outlet

Hardware: Anthropologie, Home Depot

Furniture: Craigslist (Couch, Bed), Sofa U Love (Two Living room Chairs), Yard Sale (Dining Table), Ebay (Faux Bamboo Chairs, Eames Molded Plastic Chairs), Antique Stores (Vanity Table and Dresser), West Elm (Desk, Outdoor Tables, Desk Chair), CB2 (Peekaboo Console), Ikea (Kitchen Cart), Pottery Barn (Entry Table), Target (Outdoor Furniture), Found the Suitcases on the Street.

Lighting: Ebay (chandeliers), Schoolhouse Electric (kitchen), Urban Outfitters (lamps)

Rugs: Urban Outfitters (bedroom), West Elm (zig zag kitchen, jute living room)

Knickknacks: Etsy, Urban Outfitters, Ikea

Art: My Father’s Photographs (guywebster.com), My Photographs, Family Photographs, Etsy, Ebay, Postcards, Ork Posters, David Settino Scott (apple painting)


Thanks for looking! More resource info (paint colors, flooring) when I return to LA!
 

CRAFTING DAY. NAPKINS

My dear friend Lilly (actress and owner of Nell's Compass Candles) recently had a crafting day for her upcoming wedding. I knew it was something I had to share with you, so I photographed the event.
Lilly had this amazing idea to stencil her wedding napkins with places, dates and words that had significance to her and her fiance {and ordered them from Stencilease}. We had so much fun making them, we thought we should start our own napkin business.


What you'll need:
Napkins
Laughter
North by Northwest (the first movie they saw together)
1. Place the stencil on the bottom left hand corner of the napkin
2. Dab brush in paint and start painting. Hold down stencil firmly to make sure there is no bleeding. 
3. Carefully remove stencil and voila!

Happy Weekend! xx

SWEET STYLE. CRAFTING DAY

Welcome to Sweetthingblog.com, Sweet Thing's new home!


Last Sunday was a fun and busy day and I have new photos to show for it. I first went to a show at The Groundlings, my friend Lilly's crafting day (resulting in a great post for tomorrow) and then dinner with friends. Here is what I wore...

wearing:
ella moss top
zara pants
pink studio sandals
foley and corinna mid city clutch
cuff and knuckle ring from urban outfitters
bracelets, necklace and other ring first seen here

SNAPSHOTS FROM MENEMSHA

There was a huge fire in the town I live in on Martha's Vineyard on July 12th. The beautiful 72 year old coast guard building and the dock next to it were completely destroyed. While I was in town, before the fire, I walked down to the docks and took tons of photos. I happened to take some of the coast guard building and the dock before they were lost. Here are some of my shots of my favorite Vineyard town, Menemsha...

The following photos are of the coast guard building and dock lost in the fire...


Does Menemsha look familiar? It's where the movie Jaws was shot.