Summer Launch Party | the Lodge at Whitefish Lake

by Sonia Lovett | Jun 17, 2019 | Fashion

Welcome to Summer in Whitefish, Montana! To celebrate, the Lodge at Whitefish Lake throws an annual summer kickoff benefiting the Alpine Theater Project. Every year I go to support the local community and arts. This year the theme was 80’s yacht rock, and I was so thrilled with my chic 80’s look that I had to share! Some who attended had never seen the 80’s and some had seen too much of it! But we all dressed the part and had a blast. And the music was great also! Enjoy

I love getting ready for a theme party! The first step is finding the perfect inspiration images. I was lucky to shop my closet for this one!

My favorite Jumpsuit is Chic Chic Chico’s

by Sonia Lovett | Jun 10, 2019 | Fashion

It doesn’t have to cost much to look great. Case in point this incredible, on-trend, paper bag waist jumpsuit by Chicos

An exceptional fit and easy to care for it’s the “go anywhere “ piece in my closet.

Black can work well for summer, and this time, I chose gold and colorful accessories to make my outfit pop. You can easily see this in black and white for summer as well, though.

You know how I feel about having a variety of accessories to change up a look, and some of them are pricey. I believe in investment pieces, but this time I kept it all within budget.

Check out these shoes from Zara. I loved the heel.

The clutch was a gift from my sister after a trip to India.

And the cuff was bought at one of those at home jewelry parties. Also a bargain!

I have had a lot of comments about these earrings.

A little backstory.

We took a girls trip to Grand Cayman I did a photo shoot for all the girls involved. The blog from January 2018 shows the wonderful caftans I took for the shoot. I also needed a large variety of accessories so my friends could pick and choose to style their chosen looks. That is when I discovered TJMaxx. I had a blast! There was such a variety of inexpensive and fun pieces. This is a pair from that haul. Under $20 I am sure.

Don’t overlook those stores. If you like it but don’t know what to do with it, don’t pass it up. Especially if it’s under 20 dollars. That might be just the ticket to turn blah into WOW!

Remember it doesn’t have to cost much to look Chic.

ALWAYS HAVE FUN WITH FASHION!

Cheers 💃 Sonia

Hotel Figueroa | A Boutique Hotel in the Middle of Downtown Los Angeles

by Sonia Lovett | Jun 7, 2019 | Travel

We love finding unexpected hotels in unexpected places. A few weeks ago, I traveled to Los Angeles to visit Serena and to shoot summer outfits for the blog. We scouted the most fabulous Spanish style hotel in the middle of downtown Los Angeles; Hotel Figueroa.

We were blown away by the hotel’s rich history. To think that in 1926 the Hotel Figueroa was the tallest building in Los Angeles is pretty incredible considering the ever-changing skyscrapers peppering the skyline now!

Hotel Figueroa has been a hub for social progress and creative endeavors since they opened its doors. The hotel showcases the work of L.A.’s most compelling female artists and culture-makers, ranging from emerging to internationally established talents. The cohesive art collection was curated to complement each other along with the hotel’s redesign, completed last year.

Bar Figueroa

Poolside at the Veranda is where you should pop in for an authentic (yet light) tropical Mexican lunch. We shared the ceviche de pescado and carnitas tacos. The ambiance of the outdoor patio coupled with the energy of people watching both at the restaurant and poolside was refreshing considering you are in the middle of a very bustling downtown LA.

Lunch at Veranda

I will be coming back to give the rooms a spin at the Hotel Figueroa next time Scott, and I go back to LA to visit Serena. It oozes old world charm and impeccable customer service. No detail was left behind here!

4 Tips to Remember If You Are Struggling With Hair Loss

by Sonia Lovett | Jun 4, 2019 | Wellness

There are so many causes of hair loss. Between genetic conditions, diet & lifestyle, skin conditions, or a hormone imbalance like I personally overcame last year. Figuring out what is causing your hair loss can be frustrating and may take some trial and error working it out with your doctor.

Last August, I wrote an article about my concern for my rapid hair loss and how a few hormonal changes and supplements made a huge difference. I think that it is important to revisit these major issues every now and again, so I wanted to refer you back to my original article by following this link.

I am happy to report that my hair stopped falling out almost immediately after I changed my hormone balance. That, coupled with my daily regimen of supplements, water, and meditation have helped keep all of the hairs on my head. Here are my four tips for my hair maintenance.

Take a Deep Breath

We all deal with stress from time to time, but it is not sustainable for us on a long term basis. After all, stress can be a major cause of hair loss. I encourage you to learn how to combat stress levels through breathing exercises.

I like the quite, so I find a comfortable seated position, close my eyes and inhale for a count of five, hold the breath for another count of five, and then exhale for yet another count of five. This breathing exercise is effective and straightforward for you to combat stress wherever you are.

Drink Your Water

Water is very beneficial to the hair and body. Did you know that the hair is made up of one quarter water? That fact alone should have you reaching for your water bottle right now. When you suffer from dehydration, your body must ration the precious water for the big players like your brain and heart, leaving very little of your water supply to reach your hair leading to excessive shedding because your hair is literally dying from thirst.

Take Your Vitamins

Our diets don’t typically give us all we need in regards to vitamins and minerals. In fact, poor nutrition, including vitamin deficiencies, is a major factor of hair loss as well. Choose a balanced vitamin supplement and consider augmenting with a specific formula for hair. Right now, I am giving HairLaVie a trial. They send a 90 day supply so I won’t run out.

Fear Not!

Don’t fear your thinning hair. Instead, take steps to remedy the issue. Ask yourself. Is my Body in Balance? Talk to your doctor about testing your hormones, estrogen, and thyroid and cortisol levels to determine if you have a genetic or hormonal imbalance that could be at play with your hair loss. I am grateful that I talked to my homeopath last year and got to the bottom of my hair pulling, hair loss! To read more on my experience first hand read my blog post My Experience with Hair Loss After 50.

I hope my experience and subsequent revisiting of this issue is of help to you. Please stay in touch with the tips and tricks that you may use to take better care of your beautiful mane.

My Favorite Summer Wedding Outfits From High to Low!

by Sonia Lovett | Jun 1, 2019 | Fashion

Weddings can be an expensive proposition whether long planned or spur of the moment so we have come up with a few stylish ideas some of them inexpensive some of them a little pricier, but all of them will live in your closet for a long time.

Wear a light dress or kimono over jeans. It’s all in the shoes!

Do you have a dress that is really too see through to wear? Use it as a topper over jeans. This inexpensive one from FloryDay.

Great shoes never go out of style and elevated any outfit.

Chico’s X 2! It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be chic. Pants and top are from Chicos and I added a vintage broach from my collection.

I love the chic simplicity of the twist front tunic. we linked the top here and it happens to be on sale just in time for the summer wedding season!

And how cool are these silver metallic trousers? They are perfect for a summer wedding and you can pull them out again for future holiday parties. PS they are on sale right now too! You can buy them here.

Again Great shoes by Francesco Russo.

Bouquet bag by Lulu Guinness.

When you see a “quirky” item and you love it but have no idea what you will do with it….. grab it and be patient. It might turn out to be the star of an outfit.

I’ve been saving this Lulu Guinness bag for just this moment!

This is my go-to summer wedding dress. The Mary Short Kaftan from Ala Von Auersperg is chic and surprisingly packable for any of those tropical destinations weddings that you may be attending.

Or you can customize your own dress by following this link.

Our Favorite New Budget Fashion Line is CHIC AF!

by Sonia Lovett | May 28, 2019 | Fashion

As you know we LOVE to support women in business and when Chic AF popped up on our radar we jumped at the chance to support a fellow fashion and travel junkie. We took our haul to Beverly Hills to showcase all of these amazing and affordable styles from our new favorite line that is CHIC AF!

Designer Amanda Bates designs for the Chic Travelista! Chic AF brings you chic style from around the world everyday, without the jet-lag! Not only are the styles super easy and wearable but the prices won’t break the bank either!

Excusez-moi Jumpsuit $58

My new go-to shirtdress is super lightweight and comfy! I love the contrast stripes. Tres Chic!

St. Victor Knot Front Shirtdress $58

Palais du Pharo Off-Shoulder Dress $58

Noailles Cotton Twist Front Dress $58

The easiest travel dress this summer is heather grey jersey and it is Chic AF! I love the knot front detail for the extra bit of sexy.

Bernadette Handmade Rattan Bag $68

It’s all about the round bag this summer. This rattan straw bag was handmade in Bali. It’s cute gingham line with sun cut-out details keeps it super stylish yet one-of-a-kind.

Downtown Denim Jacket $52

The signature Chic AF downtown denim jacket is the one that we have all been looking for! It is relaxed, lightweight and will be in constant rotation in your closet.

My Favorite Chicos Pieces Styled For Spring

by Sonia Lovett | Apr 28, 2019 | Fashion

I had such a great time looking over the Chicos website. My goal was to find stylish casual clothing that would take me from a shopping trip and an afternoon at the park to a dinner at a lovely restaurant. I was comfortable and looked chic and appropriate for each occasion. Even the fit was perfect. See evidence below…

PS Most of these guys are on sale now! BONUS!

PETITE STRIPED SIDE-SLIT HEM GIRLFRIEND ANKLE JEANS

$109.00

INDIGO STRIPED PALAZZO PANTS

$74.99

STRIPED RUFFLE-FRONT TIE-SLEEVE TOP

$64.99

DENIM MAXI DRESS

$129.00

COOLMAX WOVEN-TRIM PULLOVER SWEATER

Sale Price:

$84.99

ECRU CURVED-BACK TANK

Sale Price:

$69.99

Shop Chico’s Now

Why I Quit Coconut Oil As A Moisturizer

by Sonia Lovett | Apr 24, 2019 | Skincare, Wellness

I first met Dr. Alina Sholar while I was in Austin this winter. It was time for a little touch up (if you know what I mean) and she was recommended to me by a beautiful Instagram friend who lives in the area. Dr. Alina is a plastic surgeon with an artistic bent and a keen eye. I was excited to hear what she had to say about the composition of my face. Everybody has a slightly different way of looking at things, and I am always awed by the artistic skill of the great aestheticians and when you get a chance to have a plastic surgeon look at your face all the better. I also spent some time on her blog and ran across an article on coconut oils as moisturizers. I have never been a fan for two reasons. One, I don’t like smelling like a fruit salad and two, it was too messy for me to use.
It turns out my instincts were correct. Here is the science on the subject graciously allowed as a repost by Dr. Alina Sholar. Visit her if you are in Austin. You will love her. I did!

For Goodness Sakes! No More Coconut Oil!

The use of coconut oil as “skincare” is an all-out raging trend. An internet search for ‘coconut oil for skin care’ returns thousands of results that declare coconut oil a miracle for cleansing, moisturizing and healing the skin.

🚫🚫🚫 This couldn’t be further from the scientific truth. 🚫🚫🚫

Skincare science says:

* Coconut oil disrupts the skin’s natural barrier function and can promote aging.

* Coconut oil does not provide hydration. Because oil and water do not mix- in fact, they repel one another – coconut oil cannot deliver water (hydration) to the skin whatsoever.

* Coconut oil is rated 4-5 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale, meaning it is a high offender of the cause occlusion, clogged pores, pimples, blackheads, milia or whiteheads.

*Coconuts are considered a tree nut so if you are already sensitive to any type of nut or have an allergy, coconut oil could cause an allergic or inflammatory reaction.

*Coconut oil used on the face has been linked to an increase in contact dermatitis.

*Coconut oil has no natural vitamin or mineral content that serves the skin. It’s fats flying solo.

👉🏼 The bottom line is this: don’t simply let current trends influence your skincare. Go with the science instead. . .

Summer Looks We Love with Ala Von Auersperg Kaftans

by Sonia Lovett | Apr 10, 2019 | Fashion

Today we pay homage to another beautiful female owned business that we love to support: Ala Von Aeursperg. When I was reading Ala’s bio it felt like she was talking about MY family. From my grandmother to my mother, sister to myself, we all wore kaftans. Simple diaphanous ones at home and bejeweled beauties to dinner. A staple through my life. Such a simple beautiful style.

Kaftans have been the unofficial uniform of my family for as long as I can remember. My mother and grandmother used to wear them at home, and my aunt wore them in Morocco over bathing suits and to dinner at her friends’ homes. They would come home, change out of their clothes and put on a pretty kaftan. It was their alternative to sweatpants, and way more glamorous. The kaftans I grew up wearing continue to inspire the styles I design today.

~Ala Von Auersperg

I love this dress. Equal parts flirtatious and irreverent, AvA’s Mary Short Kaftan is an airy, festive style with oversized ruffled sleeves, flouncy hem and chic scoop-neck top. Its background of pale blue brushstrokes on white provides the perfect canvas for an arrangement of colorful Spider Lilies.

THE WATER MILL PRINT

Water Mill is new for the Spring/Summer season and is a vibrant print whose background of pale blue brushstrokes on white provides the perfect canvas for an arrangement of colorful Spider Lilies. Named for the beautiful Hamptons destination where Ala keeps a home and garden, Water Mill evokes a sense of natural freedom, where pops of red, yellows and greens seem to dance around each silhouette quite effortlessly. Like all of our prints, Water Mill is taken directly from one of Ala’s own paintings.

Shop the Look:

Alexandra Short Kaftan

Mary Short Kaftan

Alma Long Silk Kaftan

AvA Scarf

Introducing the limited-edition AvA silk scarf in our Water Mill print, designed in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the National Center for Victims of Crime, the organization Ala co-founded in the 1980’s. 50% of the scarf’s proceeds will benefit the NCVC helpline, which counsels victims following traumatic events. Women should know they have a place to turn after experiencing assault or violent crime, and the NCVC supports them by connecting them to services in their community.

$250.00

Spring/Summer 2019 Jewelry Trends: Proud Pearls

by Sonia Lovett | Mar 31, 2019 | Fashion

When women support other women we can accomplish anything! That is why we are such big proponents of shopping and supporting women all around the world in spreading their message and supporting their small businesses. We are so happy to meet and become friends with our newest penpal, Dutch founder and designer Hannelore of Proud Pearls. Hannelore has over 20 years of experience in the field of international fashion design. Like us, she finds inspiration in her daily life and travels the world in search of new ideas, influences, materials, and possibilities. Luckily for us, she is always open to meet and work with inspiring people from different cultures. We are proud to call her line a must have for your spring/summer fix for the pearl jewelry trend.