LA by Diana - Personal Style blog by Diana Marks: July 2015

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July 30, 2015

Hotel Pullman Brussels Centre Midi

As I continue my hotel reports, it's time to talk about my stay in Brussels. I stayed at the ultra modern and chic Pullman Brussels Centre Midi, which is located right outside a major local and international train station of Brussels. Considering that I spent two out of three days traveling outside Brussels, and left Brussels for Amsterdam by train, I couldn't imagine of a better place to stay. But regardless if you need to travel outside of Brussels or prefer to spend your time in the city, the historical heart of Brussels is only a 15 min walk away, or a short 5 min metro ride, with the station located right next to the hotel. 
Location aside, the whole hotel is simply superb. Designed by architect Jean-Philippe Nuel, this 4 star upscale hotel is definitely a place to be - sleek, modern, minimalistic and glamorous! Out of all the places I stayed at, this one was by far the hardest one to leave! I am just too addicted to cool designs and great customer service :) And of course, the best part of any European hotel stay is... breakfast! It was definitely superb and the variety was just insane. I wished I stayed there longer so that I could try everything they had :) So delicious!

July 24, 2015

WestCord Fashion Hotel Amsterdam

It's already been two weeks since I am back, but I am still not over my post-trip depression :) It was such an amazing experience, particularly due to the beautiful hotels I got to stay at. 
Today I'll tell you a bit more about my stay in Amsterdam. First of all, I arrived at the airport and got a TESLA cab - that's how you ride in Amsterdam! Definitely in style ;) Then it took me to the WestCord Fashion Hotel Amsterdam and I can't imagine a better place for your home away from home in this vibrant and international city. My hotel choice was pretty straightforward for two reasons. First, I am a fashionista (hence "the fashion hotel") and second, its convenient location. The hotel is close to public transportation which takes you directly to the center of the city, an airport is only a short drive from it and, most importantly, it's located right across the World Fashion Center. The rooms are very convenient (and quiet, which is kind of a big deal for me!) and the design throughout is all about fashion and glamour - definitely my vibe! 
My favorite amenities of this hotel are The Wellness Garden with 2 saunas and Turkish steam room, indoor swimming pool, and the SKYY bar on the 10th floor with great views of the city. And I was definitely obsessed with breakfasts there - seriously I don't think I ever ate so much food at once. But I don't regret it at all - it was healthy and definitely delicious. I can't wait to get back to this beautiful city and come back to WestCord Fashion Hotel Amsterdam.

July 18, 2015

Soft Skin and Healthy Body

This week I partnered up with Flywheel and Vaseline for an exciting opportunity. I got a chance to attend the popular cycling studio Flywheel in LA yesterday. Normally, I am not that much into cycling classes, but I might reconsider my preferences after visiting Flywheel. The upbeat music, dark room and constant movement made me feel like I am in a club, only it was a healthy version of it :) I was half dancing, half cycling and definitely got my blood moving. It's a great cardio workout for people like me, who don't move much.
After the class I got a chance to try out and take home Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturizer, which I used all over my body after the much needed shower. I usually don't use any body lotions because I can't stand feeling sticky or greasy after I just cleaned myself. In so many years I never found one that I could use regularly. But Vaseline definitely made a difference. It took me seconds to dry after my initial application, and the skin instantly felt smooth and moisturized. A very convenient 360 degree application made the process super fast, which is extremely important to me. I absolutely loved the experience and I will definitely be using the product for a while now. Finally a body lotion I can use regularly! Have you tried it?

July 15, 2015

My European Vacation

For those who still don't follow me on the social networks, it's time to tell you a bit more about my European trip. This year it was packed with gorgeous locations, great company and amazing food. I spent 3 weeks in Europe, kicking off my tour with a week in Cannes followed by a road trip around Tuscany and three day stays in Brussels and Amsterdam. I managed to see a total of 16 big and small towns all over Europe over the course of my trip. It was a little exhausting, but very exciting. I came back with a huge baggage of great memories and I think I even got a little depressed upon arrival, because this trip was like a dream and yet it was over so soon :( 
I was freaking out for a couple of weeks before leaving since I had absolutely no idea what to pack with me. I wanted to have a lot of outfit options, but didn't want to take a big suitcase in lieu of the amount of travel that I was planning to do. I also had to plan warmer looks in case of chilly nights or temperature changes from country to country. I also refused to take anything that I couldn't wear more than once and anything that wasn't pretty enough. I bought so much stuff from different online stores in hopes to get those ideal outfit options, but ended up returning most of it. I was getting desperate... 
But then I remembered about one store that somehow slipped my mind - my favorite Lulus. After spending hours on the website, I finally chose a few great summer dresses, pants, tops and a cool white jacket - perfect for summer nights. Whether it was surviving extreme heat in Cannes, getting lost on the streets of random Tuscan towns, admiring the architecture of beautiful Brussels or having the time of my life in vibrant Amsterdam, Lulu's made it easy for me to look stylish and feel comfy. Check out my looks that I wore in different cities and let me know which one is your favorite!
CANNES (France):

July 13, 2015

Back On The Grid...

It's been a few days since I am finally back in LA and I am almost over my jet lag. It's great to get back to a cooler drier climate and enjoy LA's chilly summer nights. I love taking my looks from day to night with a few easy adjustments and this look is not an exception. I wore my cool new shorts from Soul Escape all day and then I threw on my new leather jacket (that I got at half price on sale in Amsterdam!) and changed my shoes for booties for a movie night.

July 10, 2015

From Basics to Statements

This post is promoted by Target
I love summers for the range of colors and prints I can mix effortlessly. The easiest way to update my style this time of the year is by introducing prints. And the simplest and most affordable way to do so is with the help of Target, which is always one step ahead of the trend game. This season’s new print is tribal and frankly speaking, I am already obsessed with it. It’s also surprisingly easy to style! Just add a basic tank or tee to your tribal bottom and voila - effortlessly stylish and fun! It’s amazing how the right pair of accessories can turn your look into casual, sophisticated or fun! All three options are below.

July 8, 2015

Another Secret


This post is promoted by Skinny Cow
It's time to reveal my second secret as part of "What's My Secret" campaign with Skinny Cow. As I mentioned in my first post, finding time to relax on a daily basis is not easy, but it’s definitely essential for a balanced life. I really like weekends for this reason. Sometimes, I like to stay in and cancel my brunch/dinner plans and just enjoy a quiet time by myself. I like to read a good book, flip through a nice magazine or immerse myself in a photography book. Regardless of what it is, it definitely has to be without technology (no phones or laptops are allowed during that time!). I like to have a little snack as well. It goes without saying that Skinny Cow ice creams, chocolates or iced coffees are a perfect idea for this time of the day (time for oneself!). After I am done with my reading and indulging activities, I am ready to move on with my day in a calm and positive manner. Hope you enjoyed my little secret. Share your secret tips on Twitter with the hashtag #SkinnyCowSecret. Direct message to @TheSkinnyCow for a chance to receive a sweet treat (coupon). More details HERE.

July 1, 2015

Cannes Diary - What to Wear and Where to Eat

As you know from my social networks, I am currently traveling across Europe, and as part of this amazing trip I spent last week in Cannes. I had so much fun there, going to the beach, eating unlimited seafood and croissants and catching up with my friends. My summer fashion consisted of very light items with thin materials due to hot weather in Europe and trying to minimize my luggage size. Here is a photo diary of my looks and places to visit via my Instagram @byDianaMarks. Enjoy :)
Hat: Club Monaco. Romper: Sandro. Flats: Soludos.