{Hair Envy: Short Cuts}

Simply put and just as the title of this post reveals, I have hair envy. Short hair envy to be exact.  I have been contemplating cutting my hair for several years now. D, doesn't prefer it, but if I ultimately decided to do it, I know he'd get over his long hair obsession as well. I'm constantly pinning short hair and these are a few of the ones I love!

{I love the look of Mena Suvari's longish bob}

{ And the effortless but sleek look of this shoulder grazing classic bob}

{ This short version is probably the most extreme, but gorgeous on this gal nonetheless}

My fear is that I will regret the decision and it would take forever to grow back! Plus, I'm not so sure short hair is a good look for me since I have a very round face. I had short hair at one point in my life, I think it was around 7th grade. Since growing it out after that time, it's been and stayed pretty long. Okay, my hair is mega long! My hair dresser won't let me do it in just one hair cut session. She suggests that if I ever really decide to do it, that we should cut in stages. This way, if I chicken out then it won't be too dramatic. We'll see!

{Pardon the backward selfie. Ha!}

xx, Shiela

{Beauty Show Stopper: Red Lips}

A red lip is like the little black dress or a pair of perfect diamond earrings - timeless and feminine. A red lip exudes confidence and when done right could be an absolute show stopper.

{Like Julianne Hough's red lip look}

The red lip isn't just for special occasions or a night out in the town. Life is short, wear it as part of you're everyday look! To avoid looking overdone, keep the rest of your makeup simple.

{A good example is Shay Mitchell's look}

The hard part is to find the best shade for you. It's taken me a very long time, but, I think I've finally found mine. 

{Fierce by Tarte}

{Here's a swatch}

The staying power of this lipstick is incredible. I apply it in the morning and even after lunch my lipstick is still very much intact. This lipstick is matte and very pigmented. I like the matte look for myself much better because I have full lips. Matte formulas typically are too drying but this one is amazing and does not settle in the lines on my lips. I try to remember to apply a swipe of lip balm before the lipstick but even when I don't, my lips stay moisturized but not shiny or glossy. 

xx, Shiela

| Note: Item(s) mentioned above were purchased with my own money. I was not paid to review |

{Louis Vuitton Bag Shaper Review}

As promised, this post focuses on reviewing the handbag shaper I ordered from Etsy for my Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM bag.

{Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM}

Let's start with the good:
1. The shaper came sooner than expected. The Etsy shop quotes approximately 2-3 weeks because the shapers are handmade. The shaper I ordered was delivered in a little over 2 weeks.

2. The wipe-able, reinforced stiff bottom matched the fabric used for the rest of the shaper. This is a minor detail but a very nice touch.

3. The flexible sides are fantastic. This is an extra special feature because the LV Neverfull can be cinched at the sides for a different look.

4. The shaper is lightweight. This feature was very important to me because of the main reason I bought a Louis Vuitton bag. The bag is large and very sturdy. The straps, although very thin, can hold up to 200 lbs. This makes it great for both travel and everyday use. All this and still a very lightweight bag. I didn't want to ruin this special feature with a heavy shaper.

{Lots of room and interior pockets for organizing}

Areas for Improvement:
Color. I ordered the khaki color based on the shop owner's communication that this is the color that her customers purchase for this exact handbag. However, when I received it, the color was off. This may not be a big deal for most, but it was a deal breaker for me. The reason for this is because the LV Neverfull is an open tote style bag which means that anyone can see inside my bag at anytime. I just prefer a shaper that matched the color of the interior closer. The interior of the bag is a more beige-y brown and the shaper is more greenish beige color.

{Interior colors}

Like I said earlier, I contacted the shop owner prior to making the purchase to inquire about the color choice. I scoured the internet for reviews and pictures to see if the khaki color matched the interior of the bag. Had I come across a review similar to this or a review in the feedback section of the Estsy shop, I would have passed on this color. Instead, I would have chosen the chocolate brown version to match the interior stripes which would have complimented the beige interior much better.

{Interior stripes and text in a chocolate brown}

Verdict:
Unfortunately, I returned the shaper. I considered exchanging the khaki for the brown but was not offered  free shipping for the replacement purchase. Had I been offered the accommodation, I definitely would have spent the $67.95 to purchase the brown shaper. I lost about $20 for purchase and return shipping.

My search continues. I ordered another base shaper from an entirely different company. I will post another review on that one once I receive it. In the meantime, I hope this helps!

xx, Shiela

{Wardrobe Essentials: Leopard Print}

Simply put, I love leopard print. It's definitely, certainly, positively a wardrobe essential. Why? Because it's sassy and sexy. And, a well placed leopard print can make any outfit, just that more fab.

If you're only beginning to build your leopard print collection - yes you, every woman for that matter, shall have a leopard print collection - and are still unsure about joining the club with the rest of us, I'd recommend buying a leopard print accessory. Leopard print earrings, belt or even a fabulous scarf.

{Like this scarf}

Then, when you're a bit more brave, but still can't quiet wear leopard as you're main piece, then buying a seasonal item like a coat or gloves with leopard print trim will work. 

{Subtle leopard sleeve detail and a red lip}

When you're finally feeling brave, then take the plunge and make leopard a center piece of your outfit. The shorts below is a good example. Picking a pair of leopard print shorts is a bit less jarring than a pair of skinny pants in leopard print. 

{Summer shorts!}

Then, when you're feeling bold, go for it with an all over leopard print item like this amazing summer dress below!

{Flowy dress and perfect accessories}

I love to incorporate leopard print as much as I can in my wardrobe. Especially for work. But, I still have to be mindful of the conservative environment at work. These leopard print pumps are by far my favorite pair of shoes!

{I know I snuck in the snake skin peep toe pumps in there. I couldn't help it!}

{This is how I typically wear these shoes to work}

xx, Shiela

{Skincare Routine Part II: Night Time Routine}

My night time skincare routine is a bit different from my morning routine in that focuses a bit more on deep cleaning my skin. After wearing makeup for over 12 hours on an average day, my skin gets pretty oily and by bedtime my makeup is ready to come off! Like I said in my morning routine, I have very oily skin and I don't typically reapply makeup or powder too much throughout the day. Especially if I know I'm going straight home after work, I just leave my skin alone for the rest of the day.

For my night time routine, I don't neglect treating my skin and I certainly incorporate some in there. It's easy to overdo treatment so I'm careful to find products that are super gentle for my very sensitive skin. 

1. I start with taking off my eye makeup with Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. I've tried other eye makeup removers and this is by far my favorite. It is effective and does not sting or irritate my eyes. This is important because the skin around the eyes are thin and delicate. 

2. I cleanse my skin with La Roche Posay Efflacar Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash. This really deep cleans my skin and takes off all my makeup. However, it doesn't over dry my skin. In fact, it really does leave my skin pretty soft.  

3. With the La Roche Posay face wash, I sometimes use my Clarisonic Mia for an even deeper clean. I only use this about once or twice a week. I'll do a more detailed review of this in an upcoming post. 

4. After cleansing, I use Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Acne Treatment & Moisturizer. Like I said earlier, I try to be consistent with treating my skin since I'm very acne prone. I use a very thin layer of this lotion. It's very gentle and doesn't sting or dry my skin. 

5. While my moisturizer is drying I use La Roche Posay Hyrdraphase Intense Eyes Hydrating Eye Care Gel under my eye and lid area.

6. The last step is optional. I only use La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo treatment on active breakouts. Even though I already use the Philosophy treatment and moisturizer, I feel like this really focuses on the actual breakout to speed up healing. 

I'm sure you've noticed that I use a lot of the La Roche Posay products. I will be doing a detailed review on these products in a future post. I discovered these products from a YouTube beauty blogger and they have since changed my skin. Make sure to look out for that post!

xx, Shiela

| Note: Item(s) mentioned above were purchased with my own money. I was not paid to review |

{Skin Care Routine Part I: Morning Routine}

Searching for the perfect skincare routine is like searching for a unicorn - it probably doesn't exist. After a lot of trial and error, I've found a routine that seems to be the most effective, for now. I say for now because in the past, I've found routines that have worked...then, stopped working. This is always so frustrating since I'm not the type of person that likes to experiment with skin care. I guess it's because when I get breakouts, it takes my skin a while to recover.

{ Love this sun-kissed skin and natural make-up look!}

Let's start off with my skin type: ultra sensitive, very oily, acne prone skin. Fun, right? I've done a lot of research and have found that the main thing I should focus on is rebalancing my skin. I've realized that there's a lot of truth to this. When my skin is acting up, it's my body telling me that something is not right. So, I really tune into my lifestyle and how it's impacting my skin. If it's random breakouts, it's probably a bit of stress and lack of sleep. When it was cystic acne, I figured it might have been hormonal. When my skin is a total wreck, super oily and dull at the same time, I probably haven't worked out and had not been drinking a lot of water.

{More glowy skin inspiration!}

So, in addition to a good balance of products, I also found that committing to more exercise and making some lifestyle changes is proving to be a big help with my overall complexion. When I exercise, I sleep better. When I sleep better, my skin looks better. See a pattern? Bottom line: exercise and positive lifestyle changes are good! See my Health and Fitness post for ideas!

Morning Routine:

1. I start off with cleansing my face with Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Acne Treatment Cleanser in the shower. This is best for me in the morning because I don't have makeup on and I don't think this is necessarily that great for taking makeup off. Second, the steam in the shower help to open up my pores and really let the salicylic acid penetrate in my skin. This cleanser is effective but gentle to my sensitive skin.

2. Instead of moisturizer, I use Boscia Clear Complexion Treatment. It's more like a fast-absorbing gel that really keeps oil production at bay and gives me a matte finish which I love because like I said earlier, my skin is very oily. I haven't been using this long, but so far I like it.

3. While the Boscia gel is drying, I use La Roche Posay Hydraphase Eye Gel to moisturize my under eye and lid area. I'm terrible when it comes to eye cream. I just don't really invest the money and time to find a good one. But, this is changing because I know I should because with wrinkles, prevention is key.

4. This next step is my favorite. I use Tarte BB Cream. I've only been using this for a couple of weeks but, so far, I love it! Other BB creams I've tried in the past have been too oily for my skin. This one is really good. It gives build-able coverage and can really be worn by itself and a little powder. The most important for me is that it has sunscreen since my Boscia gel does not. It also works as a primer, which typically means that it fills in fine lines so that other makeup will go on smoother. It claims to be a light moisturizer which I'm not sure about. It definitely is not drying, but I'm not sure I can use this without first applying my Boscia gel. It also claims to have an anti-aging treatment. I'm not sure how I'd test this but this isn't the most important ingredient for me for the reasons I've listed above.

5. The last step is technically makeup and not skincare. But, I wanted to add it in since it's another item I actually use on my face to prep for other makeup. I've been using Clinique Stay Matte Foundation for over year now and I've loved it. Great coverage and friendly for sensitive oily skin types.

Please keep in mind that this is what works for me. Like I said earlier, I did a lot of research and took advice and tips from many different sources before finding just the right mix of products. I hope some of this helps and stay tuned for my night time routine in Part II of this post!

xx, Shiela

| Note: Item(s) mentioned above were purchased with my own money. I was not paid to review |

{Dining Chairs Project}

A couple years back I reupholstered our dining chairs in a gorgeous white on white geometric patterned fabric. We use these dining chairs in our dining nook which means these chairs are used almost every day. Needless to say they're overdue for a cleaning or an outfit change. I realized that although I love the idea of the clean white look next to the deep chocolate brown color of our chairs, I didn't love how dingy they've gotten. My love for clean, fresh looking chairs trumps my need to have the white fabric.

{I ordered the Magnolia Home Fashions fabric in Java Ikat pewter from Fabric.com.}

I also scoured the internet for some examples of how the fabric has been used in the past. This is typically part of my decision making process for when choosing a fabric for a project. It really helps to see the scale of a pattern since it's not always easy to figure out just by looking at most swatches online.

{The fabric used as the main accent in this room is so close to the one I chose.
Image source | Pinterest}

{This pillow from this Pavona Restoration Etsy shop}

Not only is this fabric gorgeous, but the gray matches the accent tile in our kitchen. The busy pattern will add an extra punch to the dining nook and will conceal any superficial stains and evidence of use.  

{Quick How To}

1| Tools: staple gun, extra staples, knife or other sharp tool, needle nose pliers, and scissors

2| Be mindful of the pattern placement before cutting. Cut fabric. Place chair cushion on fabric. 

3| Fold fabric over cushion and staple. Make sure to pull the fabric taut for a snug fit. 

4| Repeat on all sides. Finished product.

{Chairs Before}

{ The fabric doesn't look bad here, but the scuffs and stains are there }

{Chairs After}

xx, Shiela

{Last Week's Highlights}

Last week was uncharacteristically busy for D and I. But, in a really, really good way! Below are quick snippets and highlights of our week - through Instagram pictures of course! Have a fantastic weekend!

{Sunday - we made apple pie to share with friends we had over that day}

{Tuesday - we didn't feel like going straight home after work so we decided on Happy Hour at Il Fornaio. I love this place. Good pizza and a fab atmosphere. Made me feel like we were back in DC}

{Wednesday - we were invited to go to the Sacramento King's last regular season game against the L.A. Clippers. We had amazing courtside seats and I managed to get really good pictures of Lamar Odom and my all time favorite player and childhood crush, Grant Hill}

{ This was literally taken right in front of where I was sitting!}

{ Friday - we went over my cousin's house to celebrate her parents' 44th wedding anniversary! They're such an inspiration. We toasted with glasses of Dom Perignon - my first time ever having a glass!}

Whew! What a full and fun week we had. Not every week is sprinkled with this much fun. Most of the time, a regular workweek for D and I consists of well, just work! D and I are very blessed to have such good family and friends.

xx, Shiela

{Wardrobe Essentials: Wear to Work}

I decided to create a series called Wardrobe Essentials that will be covering items that I can't live without for work, vacation, summer and so on. There are just some wardrobe items that dominate my closet. For this first installment, I'll be covering wardrobe essentials for work. If you work in a conservative office like I do, you'll want to continue reading!

My all time favorite work essential is the pencil skirt. Pencil skirts are feminine without being too sexy; polished without being too stuffy. You can't go wrong wearing this to work when paired with a button down or a simple shell and jacket.

{If you're looking to purchase your first, I'd invest in a flawlessly tailored black pencil skirt like this one}

My second favorite is a dress. I'm petite and more often than not, finding a pair of work trousers that I don't have to get tailored is extremely rare. Even trousers that are meant for petite women are still too long. So, I cheat and wear a dress as often as I can get away with it. You can either go with a basic, black shift dress that you can add a chunky pearl necklace and a pair of tights in the winter. Or, a fun color or print wrap dress. 

 {This chartreuse beauty is perfection! Fashionable and yet still very professional}

Another work essential is a pair of skinny pants. Fit is key. Similar to the pencil skirt, skinny pants can be paired with a blouse or a tailored jacket. 

{When I think of fabulous, I think of Victoria Beckham. 

This ensemble is a perfect example of how to wear this look}

These are the three key pieces I can not live without for work. If you're only starting to build your work wardrobe, this is a good start. Add in a neutral blouse and a tailored jacket and you're on your way! 

My three best tips:

1} Buy pieces you LOVE. If they're financially out of your reach at this point in time, then save. Don't go broke, just buy quality pieces that will stand the test of time. 

2} Tailoring. I know I mentioned earlier that I try to avoid trousers because I try and skip the extra step to taking them to get hemmed. However, that's not to say that you should leave the house in ill-fitting clothes. If you must, then get them tailored!

3} Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. Emulate someone you admire at work. Follow their lead. You may not have the same salary as an executive or director you admire at work but that doesn't mean you can't find similar wardrobe pieces for a fraction of the cost. 

{ Here's a Zara black pencil skirt I have for sale in the GSG Closet. See link above}

xx, Shiela

{ Colored Couches }

The other day I received a private message on Facebook from an old middle school friend asking me where I purchased my bookshelves. At first, I was perplexed until I remembered that a while ago I had posted on my Facebook page a picture update of the recent decor changes I had made to my loft. So, we got to chatting a bit more and it turns out she had sold most of her furniture and is starting over and needed my help. First, I was extremely flattered. Second, thrilled because as you will learn, I'm obsessed with decorating!

One of the furniture items she decided to keep was her olive green couch. After searching the web a bit for inspiration, I realized, that a colored couch could be extremely fabulous! My taste in home decor is just the opposite. I like anything and everything neutral and serene. Creamy whites, brushed metals and monochromatic effects saturate my home's interior.

{ My living room }

One of these days I'll venture away from my neutral decor taste. In the meantime, I've decided to start collecting inspiration. I'm imagining a deep navy or pale pink couch. With the right space and accessories, a colored couch could be just the perfect anchor to pull a room together. 

{ What about a sea foam couch like this? It'll be hard to ignore the fabulous Jessica Alba, but try }

{ Carrie and Big's navy couch? Yes please! }

xx, Shiela

{Jean Junkie}

I love jeans. I own a good amount of them. I love a comfy, worn-in ripped pair as much as a snug, sexy pair of skinnies. 

However, my all time favorite jean style? Super bell bottoms. I own a handful and love to wear them with sky high wedges in the warmer months and pointy toe booties when it's cold out. Super bell bottoms are a petite gal's best friend. I'm only 5 feet tall so I'm all for anything that gives the illusion of longer legs! See below for some ways to wear this denim style. 

{ With something graphic }

{With a button down }

{ And, of course, animal print }

{ My favorite fashion trendsetter, Rachel Zoe, looking fab in a ground-grazing version }

{ Here are my favorites from my own closet (top to bottom): Seven for All Mankind Bell Bottoms, Seven for All Mankind Dojos, Lucky Brand Charlie Flare and Hudson Bell Bottom Trousers}

{ In the summer, I'd wear them with something like these Steve Madden nude and neon wedges }

xx, Shiela

{Golden State Gal's Health & Fitness}

In a previous post {Upcoming Santa Barbara Beach House Trip} , I started to write about my workout routine and diet changes. As promised, here's a more detailed post on health and fitness!

First, I think it's important to say that I'm not a medical professional and I recommend consulting with your own doctor for advice on your health and fitness. Just like snowflakes, we're all made differently (this is meant to be cheesy)! I should also mention that this is what I find that works for me. There are plenty of ways to live healthily and this is just one gal's way of doing so.

Here we go.

Every January I resolve to be healthier for the upcoming year (doesn't everybody?!). This year, I added a couple more layers of motivation. First, I'm officially well into my thirties. There's no going back now! Not that I had a choice anyway so I figure, I might as well embrace the rise in age and the decline in my metabolism (stay with me, I promise this post will get less depressing). Second, getting beach ready for my upcoming trip to Santa Barbara definitely helped to motivate me to get to the gym on the days I felt too lazy.

I've received lots of health and fitness tips from friends and family. I knew that if I was going to make changes, they were going to have to be simple, easy, and fun. I was aware that anything that I didn't enjoy wasn't going to last. So, I made it simple: eat good tasting healthy food and workout doing things I enjoy.

I get bored easily with the foods I eat and the workouts I do so I like to change it up a bit everyday. I'll do another post focusing on just foods and recipes but, for now, these are the workouts I like to do most.

Bikram Yoga
I've been practicing Bikram on and off for about 7 years. Simply put, Bikram is a 90-minute yoga class of 26 poses done in a heated room (approximately 108 degrees). Even after practicing this long, Bikram is still very, very challenging. I love the way it makes me feel after 90-sweaty, emotionally challenging, tear inducing minutes of moving through the 26 poses. Okay, maybe the last one was an exaggeration, but you get the point.

{ Bikram Yoga }

Body Pump

The gym I belong to offers Body Pump classes. Body pump is basically a 60-minute class to tone, sculpt, and strengthen you're entire body. I love that you can choose the weights you use to make a routine more or less challenging. The best part is that it's taught in a class because I typically skip the weight areas of my gym. I often don't have the time after work (which is when I usually work out) and patience to figure out how to work those monster machines. 

{ Body Pump }

Running

Get up, grab a buddy (in my case, it's D), and go outside. Now, start walking, then jog. Next thing you know, you will be running. This is seriously how I do this. When D can't run with me, I go to my gym and run on the treadmill. I don't do much, I run until I'm tired. Sometimes, I push myself to the point of being a little achey. I keep this simple. It's my least favorite exercise, but it's effective. So, I just do it. 

{ Good Old Running }

Pilates Reformer

I have a Pilates Reformer machine at home so it's very convenient for me to fold this back into my routine. Pilates Reformer is basically a machine that uses your own body weight for resistance for an overall body workout. I haven't been doing Pilates for very long because there weren't many studios near where I live. However, last year I discovered that a gym nearby (my gym now) had it's own Pilates Reformer studio that offered classes to non-members. I purchased a class package and fell in love with the exercises! Unfortunately, the DVDs I have at home to use along with my Reformer are very, very boring. And, my search for different DVDs have been unsuccesful. I plan to repurchase another Pilates Reformer class package through my gym to learn some different moves and routines and alternate between taking classes at the gym and doing my own routines at home. 

{ Pilates Reformer }

So, there you have it. Again, this is what works for me. I'll leave you with a few helpful things I've discovered along the way:

1. Do what you like, you're most likely going to go back to do it again and again...and again. This is a good thing. Consistency is key. 

2. Take classes. It's seriously like having a trainer walk you through a timed exercise! This is hundreds of dollars cheaper than hiring a personal trainer. And, the class atmosphere and great music help to motivate and make the time go by faster.

3. Change it up! Do different things. Not only is this good for your body, it's also good for your brain (i.e. you won't get bored). 

xx, Shiela