LA by Diana - Personal Style blog by Diana Marks

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September 7, 2016

Win A Trip Around The World: 5 Cities In 30 Days

This post is sponsored by Radisson Blu but my love for their hotels is all my own.
You all know that I love to travel and try to get out of LA as much as I can - and it's not nearly as often as I'd like to! My longest trip this year was a three week non stop European tour, and I tried to share every detail with you guys. But more than that, now YOU have a chance to take 30 days and travel around the world yourselves and visit 5 amazing destinations (airfare for two included). 
I partnered with Radisson Blu - one of the world's leading brands with nearly 300 hotels in operation in 69 countries and territories to give away this phenomenal experience. And participating in the giveaway is also super FUN! To enter, take a journey through Paper City, and discover fun facts/clues about each location, helping you guess the city. It's simple and fun!

Here are my top 5 destinations that I would definitely recommend :
1) Athens, Greece - I started exploring Greece this year, and I definitely fell in love with the country. I am yet to see it's beautiful capital - Athens.

September 5, 2016

Pastel Summer

I love finding great sites with unique and stylish clothes. Dresslily has it all, plus the clothes are so cute! Obsessing with the booties!

August 29, 2016

California Dreamin'

This post is sponsored by Zappos, opinions are my own
This summer has been very interesting and full of events for me. One of the highlights of it was a crazy month long European adventure. I came back refreshed and inspired again, and decided to change my lifestyle (details soon). As it always happens when traveling, I learned a few more things about myself, especially the fact that I am more of a free and artsy thinker, than I thought I was. That clearly reflected on my style as I started rocking the all american rock'n'roll look in addition to my go-to casual european to elegantly classy outfits much more often. Lucky Brand and Zappos.com are helping me in this transformation. Lucky brand shoes are made for californians on the go. They are made to dance, work, run, jump, play and rock'n'roll, and take your looks from day to night. Lucky Brand's new fall collection, which is available on Zappos.com, is so cool that it took me hours to choose shoes for upcoming fall looks. They all look perfect and versatile. And most importantly, Zappos.com has us covered with a free shipping, and 365 day free return policy.
I chose Lucky Brand Belia boots in black as I am a huge fan of booties and can never have too many :) They go well with everything from shorts to dresses and pants. I styled them in a typical california boho look with skinny jeans, leather jacket and a hat. As for the second look, I went with a bit more classy option of lace up flats that definitely go well with skinny pants and dresses. Styled them in my typical euro fashion :) Which look is your favorite?

August 7, 2016

London Diary with British Airways #Bleisure

You guys are definitely aware that I had quite a busy July traveling non stop around Europe, and the center of it all was my favorite London. It has a very special place in my heart as I used to live there and it definitely feels like home every time I go back. Not to mention that my best friend lives in London, and we always have tons of adventures when we get to meet. Since London makes me so happy I try to go back there as often as I can. Most of the time, it's still for business, but I am an expert at combining both business and leisure, and I highly recommend doing that to everyone who travels. I always take some time off my busy schedule for catching up with friends or simply exploring the city. You can't go to a place like London and not take advantage of countless activities and places it has to offer. So if you ever travel there for business, make sure to squeeze in an extra day or two for additional exploring ;)

July 27, 2016

For The Love of The Journey

Life is made up of so many different journeys. Some of them are physical, some are emotional, some are professional. All of them are different, challenging or easy, hidden or apparent. And they all make us grow, learn and experience lasting effects for the rest of our lives. For today's post I have partnered with The Wente Vineyards to talk a bit about my own professional journey.

July 22, 2016

Huge Travel Giveaway with Country Inns & Suites

You guys know how much I enjoy travelling and staying at cool hotels. As of right now, I am typing this from Bodrum, Turkey, prepping for a boat tour along the Mediterranean coast until the end of the month. I love exploring other countries as much as I love to travel around my local California. There are so many essential things that I need for comfortable travel, but perhaps the most important one is proper lodging. I need to stay as productive and comfortable as possible, especially since I am always on the go. So good hotels are extremely important to me. They don't have to be upscale, but I need a proper comfy bed, great customer service, fast internet everywhere and "at home" atmosphere.
LEARN HOW TO GET A FREE TWO NIGHT HOTEL STAY in the US and Canada BELOW:

July 12, 2016

Conscious Designer Shopping With ThredUP

I know, we are in the middle of summer now, but some people are already thinking about refreshing their fall wardrobe. If you have been reading my blog long enough, you are probably aware that I am a huge fan of recycling clothes, as I change it so frequently. Every season I will pack a huge bag of items I don't wear any more, and either donate them or trade them to consignment stores and shop for new or recycled clothes afterwards. I find it both financially responsible and ecologically sound.
I recently discovered thredUP that took it to a whole other level for me. It is basically a giant online consignment shop (up to 90% off retail price!) that’s really thoughtfully curated and easy to navigate. I hate digging  through countless racks of clothes trying to find a perfect item, and with online shopping this problem has been solved. At thredUP in particular, all you have to do is type in whatever you want to get (item, brand) in search, and you'll see countless available options which you can sort by size and/or color immediately. So much time saved!

June 30, 2016

Get Away From It All On a Boat

Summer is here and water is calling. That means boating season is in full swing, especially considering that one of the most popular holidays is on the horizon - Independence Day! And what better way to spend the Fourth of July than on a boat with friends and family? I haven't planned it out completely yet, but I am definitely playing around with the boating idea for the 4th - especially since it's so easy to arrange thanks to Discover Boating. I imagine watching fireworks from a boat must be a phenomenal experience!

June 28, 2016

Affordable Luxury

Elegance is my forte, but somehow people think that to look elegant you need to spend a lot of money on your look. I always love defying that idea when I find high-end-looking pieces at a fraction of a price. This time I am particularly taken with this elegant jumpsuit (that literally gets you compliments from every passing stranger ;)) from Dezzal and the amazing jewelry pieces from the Happiness Boutique. Affordable luxury at its finest! Look details and discounts at the bottom of this post.

June 7, 2016

Shaving Tips for Men, or Impress Him for Father's Day

I am not an expert in men's lifestyle, but I have lived with men most of my life, and I have learned and researched on quite a few tips and tricks (and products!) over the years in different areas of their lives. I am also trying to revive my male corner, that I introduced a while ago, and I couldn't pass up on this amazing post idea partnering with Baxter of California again.
Today we'll be talking about men's shaving. Men hate it, but most of them simply have to do it. If you are a guy, reading my blog, hopefully you'll learn something new from this article. If you are a woman, then you can take a note of this information and impress a man in your life with your sound advice (or a great gift!), especially since father's day is coming up!

June 2, 2016

French Business

If you have been following my blog for a while, you know how much I love to incorporate french details in my style. This look is a perfect reflection of it. White lace details add a sophisticated touch to an overall casual business look.
By the way, you guys, completely random, but I just discovered a special treatment for hair loss that I'll recommend for my dad. Check it out, and tell your men in your life as well - PRP for hair loss

May 30, 2016

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's day is coming up soon, and it's always a challenge to come up with a special gift for that significant man in your life. You want to get something that captures the strength and character of your Dad (or husband!?), something he could use and show off all the time, something that would remind him of how much you mean to each other. This year, I might have just a solution for you. A gift from WEWOOD, an eco-friendly company that produces incredibly cool 100% natural wooden watches and stylish and fun wooden sunglasses. The added bonus of gifting a WEWOOD piece is getting to tell your special man that you planted a tree in his honor. That's right, the environmentally responsible company promises to plant a tree every time they sell a wooden piece. So somewhere in the world, a tree will grow tall & strong, just the way your father raised you. 
Use a unique promo code (WWFD16) on WEWOOD when making a purchase for Free Shipping & a Free Pin Removal Tool. The pin removal tool allows buyers to resize their watches at home instead of having to visit a store! And HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY ;)

May 26, 2016

Reasons to Love Boating

Summer is right around the corner. Don't ask me how this happened, I am as surprised as you guys are :) But as much as I am shocked by how quickly time is flying, I am also very excited for this summer. I am planning to be more adventurous and spontaneous this year and who knows what I'll end up doing these summer months, but one particular activity had been on my mind lately. My favorite memories by far are related with summer boat trips in the South of France in the past two years. Sadly though, this year I won't be visiting the French Riviera, but luckily I live in sunny California and there is a wonderful online resource Discover Boating, which will definitely help me create unforgettable summer boating memories.

May 23, 2016

Classy Lady

As much as I love my casual European style that you get to witness on my Instagram, my favorite looks are elegant ones. This one is my particular favorite because of a classy black top with cut out shoulders, that I found at a local boutique in Santa Barbara. Paired with elegant accessories, like sunglasses, earrings, heels and a timeless Lady Dior, the whole look makes me feel like a modern version of Audrey.. 

May 13, 2016

Enjoy Life and Experience Monterey

One of my new years resolutions this year was to be more adventurous, spontaneous and to make the most out of life. Not just every day, but every hour, and every moment. In other words, to embody the spirit of Grabbing Life by the Moments. That's when the best memories happen anyway! So when my friend asked me to go join her on a road trip along the California coastline back in April, I immediately said yes. I would normally take a few weeks to think about it and plan everything out, but this time we decided to be spontaneous and fun. We had no particular plans and no hotel reservations. We just took Highway 1 and drove. And it turned out to be one of the greatest experiences of this year so far!
I got to discover places in California that I didn't even know existed. My favorite part of that trip was definitely visiting Monterey County. That's where we spent most of our trip anyway! Even though we didn't have even remotely enough time to see everything Monterey has to offer, we were mesmerized by the little that we saw. From scenic views along the coastline on Highway 1, to breathtaking beaches and cutest beach towns, there are countless things to see and do there. Whether you are going on a local food and wine tour, outdoor adventure trip (biking, hiking, scuba diving, kayaking, hang gliding, horseback riding and surfing are just a few of the adventures that lure visitors there), or a family and friends road trip, Monterey County is the best place for all of it! 

May 9, 2016

Smoothie Obsession

As I mentioned last month, I am trying to get more vegetable in my diet and wanted to quickly update you guys on my progress. I try to get pressed juices or smoothies whenever I feel like I am lacking greens as it's the easiest and most convenient way to have enough vegetables in your diet. Smoothie King's Veggie Avocado Pineapple smoothie is still my favorite as avocado is so filling and nutritious that I can't find any other food that will get me so obsessed about it :) Don't forget to sign-up for a $2.99 20oz. coupon via email and sign up to earn rewards in the Smoothie King loyalty app ;)

May 7, 2016

City Stroll in Timberland

Springtime is in the air, it's time for more time outdoors, long city walks and coffee breaks while sitting on the terrace. And that means comfortable (and stylish!) footwear! I teamed up with my friends at Timberland and Zappos.com to showcase their wide selection of springtime shoes for modern trails like farmers markets visits, city strolls, movie nights and brunch breaks. From stylish flats to fashion-forward oxfords and chunky heels, Timberland’s styles for women are beautiful, comfortable and perfectly versatile to transition your daytime outfit for a night out. They are all available on Zappos.com with a fast free shipping, 365 day return policy (!) and world class customer service. 
I chose Timberland's Oxford sneakers in birch color - they fit my casual european style perfectly. An urban-outdoors, style driven sneaker like this is perfect for all occasions this spring. I wore this look from day to night from a casual neighborhood stroll to a movie night later that day. Chic, comfy and versatile. Check out all Timberland selection on Zappos.com here.

May 2, 2016

Floral Spring

Spring is in full swing, and it's time to share with you one of my favorite shoots I did in the beginning of the year with the talented Brooke Mason. It's all about spring fashion trends: florals and bright colors. There are spring trends that come and go, but florals are always going to be timeless. We created this little lookbook for you guys to showcase incorporating this pattern in your everyday looks whether it's in dresses, rompers or even boots ;) Enjoy!

Also, if you want a quick and easy solution to change your hair style or hair color this spring, consider wigs.com =)

April 25, 2016

The Other Mother

Mother's day is coming up so soon, but in addition to acknowledging our beautiful selfless mothers who always have our backs, I am partnering with LovePop to help recognize the "Other Mother" in our lives. It can be an aunt that never told your parents about that one time, a teacher who never gave up on you, a mentor who has always guided you in the right direction or a boss who recognized your talents before you did - she is the woman who doesn't fit that simple definition of mom, and she has no obligation to add to or invest in your life, but she still does it without asking anything in return.
In my case this person is my grandma. She is the person who loves me unconditionally and is always on my side no matter what. I can trust her with all my secrets and can definitely call her my best friend. Every time I am going through a rough moment in life, she is always there for me trying to be a good advisor, supporter and listener. Her positive approach to life, her ability to gracefully deal with any conflict and her ways of appreciating every little thing in life inspire me to move forward and be a better person every day. 
This mother's day you can recognize the "Other Mother" in your life with a special and unexpected 3D pop-up card from LovePop. Say thank you and tell her about her spirit, her smile and her impact on your world with a personalized hand written message on a beautiful 3D LovePop card. You can also nominate your Other Mother for a special card on LovePop site (all nominees will receive a card!) and even win a very special curated gift basket for her. Submit your "Other Mother" story here.

April 20, 2016

Entertaining (and Cleaning) Made Easy


This post is promoted by Dyson
I love gathering my friends for Sunday movie afternoons at my place, but I hate cleaning. It was always too much time and hassle to do it after everyone leaves. But not anymore! I have discovered the new Dyson V6 Absolute Cord-Free Vacuum, which is a complete lifesaver. It is a cord-free vacuum that is super lightweight, extremely versatile and, most importantly, powerful. You can really clean everywhere with it: the couch, the car, cobwebs in corners, crumbs left in the sofa cushions after people leave, etc. And it's all thanks to the cord-free nature of it. This machine is definitely every entertainer's dream!
I find myself cleaning more and more often, because it's so easy now! I ditched my old vacuum completely, and, thanks to different attachments, I can now reach anywhere and clean my house from floor to ceiling, including all those hard-to-reach places (under the couch, the crevices between appliances, you name it!). It's so easy and fast (literally under 20 minutes!). 

April 18, 2016

How to Have More Fun in Your Life

We all have busy lifestyles these days. The term "work hard, play hard" is used everywhere, yet a recent Chase Freedom Unlimited Card survey found out that Americans are experiencing fun deficit and are not having enough fun in their lives. But Chase is on a mission to change that by introducing the new Chase Freedom Unlimited card, that offers 1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase. There’s no minimum to redeem for cash back—cardholders can redeem any amount, any time.

There are so many ways to have more fun in our lives, and it doesn't have to be expensive or cost anything at all. As you can see from the Chase Freedom Unlimited Card survey, spending time with people you care about tops the list, small treats like coffees, ice cream etc and treating others are next on the list. But to add more fun we have to first recognize that the sources of it are truly unlimited. 

As for me personally, this year I have gone through a lot of changes in my life. I learned that life is an unpredictable journey and that I have to appreciate every single second of it. I am therefore thriving to add fun to my life every single day. Here are my little tips and tricks for adding more fun in life:

1) Laughing, goofing around and just being silly anywhere I go.

April 14, 2016

Veggie Blends for Spring

Spring is in full swing and it's time to rethink out diets for health and body benefits ;) I personally noticed that I haven't been getting enough vegetables in my diet, and I was trying to find a way to add them. As we all know, the easiest one is to drink them in a nutritious smoothie. I was excited to find out about the new blend from Smoothie King - Veggie Avocado Pineapple. There are tons of reasons to love avocado, and no matter how you pair it, they just add up. From skin and blood pressure benefits, to weight management benefits, avocado has it all. Plus it tastes delicious mixed with juicy pineapple. But don't stop there, there are other veggie flavors at Smoothie King, that are delicious and nutritious: Apple Kiwi Kale, Berry Carrot Dream and Carrot Kale Dream. Sign-up for a $2.99 20oz. coupon via email and sign up to earn rewards in the Smoothie King loyalty app ;)

April 12, 2016

Hotel d'Angleterre: Luxury Boutique 5 Star Hotel in Geneva

I know, I know. I promised this post for quite a while and have been teasing you guys with gorgeous photos of this beautiful hotel for the whole month. But here it is, the highly anticipated review of my luxury experience in Geneva.
While traveling to Switzerland, I stayed at a luxury Hotel d'Angleterre, conveniently located on the banks of Geneva's Lake Leman and set in a refined building dating from 1755. The first thing I noticed was the warm welcome each guest receives while staying there. You don't feel like a hotel guest, you feel like a family friend thanks to excellent service and meticulous attention to details of the hotel's staff. 
The hotel boasts 39 luxury guest rooms and 6 elegant suites, which are individually designed in a combination of refined Swiss style and traditional charm with modern amenities. No room looks similar to one another, making the hotel feel like a warm and welcoming luxury estate, full of tastefully selected and placed antiques and exquisite works of art.
My favorite place to relax at night was their swanky and wildly popular Leopard Bar offering live music in a luxury cozy library setting enhanced by a lit fire.

April 7, 2016

Major Jewelry Giveaway

I am super excited to announce that I have partnered with 7 Charming Sisters for this super exciting giveaway! Everyone WINS! We will have 25 winners!!! And each of them will receive any piece of jewelry from the 7 Charming Sisters website! The jewelry is so pretty, versatile and trendy that I am sure each of you can find something they love. The giveaway will last for 10,000 minutes in honor of reaching 10K likes on their Facebook.
The only requirement to participate is to go on 7 Charming Sisters Facebook HERE and comment on any picture posted by the brand using a hashtag #7CS10KGiveaway . Then leave me your email in the comments to this blog post so that I can contact you when you win. That's it! Super easy!

April 4, 2016

Captain Obvious Runs for President with Hotels.com

Time flies and I can't believe it's another election season. Aside from the presidential race, there is another fun race to be followed. "Captain Obvious running for President" race...but he is actually physically running! He will be providing his own satirical insight on the election along the way, which you can follow on his microsite here. Captain Obvious also has over 300K Twitter followers who follow his updates and the #ObviousPresident hashtag.
Hotels.com is supporting Captain Obvious during his race because they believe in simplicity as much as he does - and he'll need a place to sleep at night! They’ll be providing him with running shoes, socks, shorts and everything else he needs for his run.

March 28, 2016

The Perfect Products to Give to or Steal from Your Man

I have to admit, I am not a huge beauty geek. I tend to stick to the same routine and switch it up only once in a while, whereas I know a lot of girls who explore new brands compulsively. Most of the products I use are quite predictable, but I have a few secrets here and there, that are not so typical to others. 
For example, sometimes I like to use mens grooming and skincare products on myself. My particular favorites are shaving creams, shower gels and deodorants. For some reason I like masculine woody scents of these products much more appealing and alluring then female versions, plus I find that the overall quality is better. 
I am now particularly obsessed with the new brand I discovered - Baxter of California. After spending some time on their sleek website browsing through a curated lineup of hair, skin, body and lifestyle products, I found quite a few products for myself and men in my life. Check out the site and discover great content of videos, inspiration looks and obviously great products. Also get a 15% off and free US shipping with the code BAXTERFAVES.

March 21, 2016

Favorite Accessories with Sakroots

Spring break is here, and it's time for beach accessories. My must haves this season are the Artist Circle Sakroots XLG Tote and the cutest black espadrilles. Sakroots has created a whole new collection of functional spring break accessories featuring colorful and original artwork, and they support various nature and music charities within their Choose Your Karma Program. My beach bag is in aqua water nation print, which supports WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, the leading global charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of whales and dolphins. Not only I love the fact that I am supporting this particular charity, I am also geniunely obsessed with the print. It's bright, playful and just fun. Shop my bag, the cutest espadrilles and other spring break essentials here.

March 17, 2016

Modern Esthetic with Montblanc Legend Spirit

It's been a while since my last post, as you might have noticed. I have been traveling quite a bit in February and, if you follow me on socials, I visited a few amazing cities last month. I still can't believe I went to Miami, San Francisco, London and Geneva all in one month. I feel incredibly blessed and humbled to have had such an amazing month. Traveling is something that really inspires me, opens up my mind, let's me be more creative and feel free...
Speaking of traveling, you can check out this super cool interactive game with the new perfume Montblanc Legend Spirit, that I am partnering with for today's post. Whether racing a convertible to the beach or exploring a rugged trail by bike, the game lets you create your own Montblanc Legend Spirit Environment full of adventure and fun.
But let's talk more about the new fragrance - Montblanc Legend Spirit! Honestly, I am a huge believer in the power of scents. It's extremely important for both men and women to choose perfumes that fit their persona. When you meet someone, who wears a particular powerful perfume, you make a subconscious judgement of that person, as you treat their perfume as part of their identity. You can be immediately drawn to them for no reason, just because their scent has such an effect on you, and if chosen well, this person will have the same effect on you as well ;) I know for myself, if I met a man who wore Montblanc Legend and represented it in his essence (passion, confidence and authenticity!) I would definitely fall head over heels .

February 18, 2016

Valentine's Day with Olay


This post is promoted by Olay
The most important day in February is finally behind us and here is a little beauty/fashion recap of my experience. My look was planned out well in advance, so I didn't have any stress on that matter. I am totally happy with the outfit I chose, as the weather turned out to be nice and that romper color is a great way to start introducing a spring theme into my closet.
As for my beauty preparation, I teamed up with Olay, and had been using their products for about two weeks prior to Valentine's Day and I definitely saw lots of improvements in my skin. I was using Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Swirl day and night and my skin definitely felt smoother and more hydrated around the eye area (even after only a few weeks use!). I complimented my routine with Micro-Sculpting Cream for overall moisturizing with Hyaluronic Acid, Amino-Peptides and Vitamin B3, and was definitely happy with my skin condition on Valentine's Day. It was plump, hydrated and felt renewed. Olay products definitely helped me feel confident and enjoy myself on Valentine's Day ;)

February 12, 2016

Getting Ready with Olay


For this post, I teamed up with Olay
We all have important events in our life, whether it’s birthday parties, nights out, or simply dates with someone very special. And even though we know it’s not beneficial, yet we still put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be at our best for these big occasions. Don’t get me wrong, an appropriate amount of  pressure and self-critique is always a good thing, but unfortunately we go way too far most of the time. 
I am partnering with Olay to change up my beauty routine using their Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Swirl and Cream, a product that helps to take some of the pressure off ourselves because it allows us to take comfort in knowing that we are treating our skin to the best products possible. As with many ladies out there, I am getting ready for a big night on Valentine's day, and Olay is definitely helping me with that. I particularly like Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Swirl, which I have been using day and night along with Micro-Sculpting Cream, and I am definitely seeing some improvement in the lines around my eyes and in the firmness of my under-eye area. Most importantly, my skin also feels more hydrated. I love complimenting my routine with Micro-Sculpting Cream for overall moisturizing with Hyaluronic Acid, Amino-Peptides and Vitamin B3 - definitely lifting and hydrating!

February 9, 2016

Oceanside

Every once in a while I find a dress that completely transforms my self perception. This time it's a beautiful strapless dress from Ever Pretty in a gorgeous coral color. It's perfect for any occasion, from formal events and wedding receptions, to romanic walks on the beach and long summer date nights. When I wore this dress I felt confident, feminine, and most importantly beautiful - precisely what a dress should make me feel. The fact that it's very reasonably priced makes me want to get it in a few other colors as well.
Shop this dress and other ridiculously affordable gorgeous pieces for any occasion at 20% off with this coupon "DML20162" until the end of March.

February 5, 2016

#NOFOMO Bikini Confidence


This post is sponsored by Target
No one is free from the self-doubt and insecurities associated with swim season. We too often let how we look distract us from enjoying the best of spring and summer. This year, I am partnering with Target again, for their #NOFOMO campaign, which takes swimsuit season with a positive, empowering new attitude by encouraging all of us to be fearless and just have fun on the beach or anywhere else swimsuit-appropriate ;)
This topic is very dear to me, as I myself have experienced a lot of psychological challenges due to swim season and I missed out on a lot of great moments in life because of my body insecurities. A lot of times I used to avoid going to the beach/pool with my friends or participate in summer adventures simply because I was very conscious about my body and they way it would look in a swimsuit. I am sure a lot of ladies out there can relate.
Over the years, though, I have been on a quest to learn how to embrace my body, appreciate the good moments in life and defeat my insecurities. Basically, I have been learning to have the #NOFOMO attitude that Target is promoting. The best way to do it is by finding a good swimsuit and Target is definitely a great place to do that at. The important thing when choosing the right swimsuit is your attitude and a basic understanding of your body. But, most importantly, you need to be creative in your choices; try colors and styles you never tried before and have fun all along! I found three different looks that fit my pear-shaped body and accent my curves without revealing too much of my flaws. The first two looks are different swimsuits in an elegant black (which is perfect for any shape) and colorful pink (great for summer relaxing by the pool). The third one is a bright mint bikini. Love that the color immediately lifts my mood and makes me dream of seaside vacations.
All of these looks definitely inspire a #NOFOMO attitude in me, and I hope to be more fearless from now on. With #NOFOMO I am definitely planning to finally do all those things that I always avoided, like dancing on the beach in my swimsuits, going scuba diving, going to more pool parties and finally not be afraid to play beach volleyball!

February 4, 2016

Golden Hour with La Prairie

I am not a person who spends too much on beauty products. I love a good deal like any girl my age, but sometimes I can't help but indulge in expensive and luxury skincare products.
Today I am partnering with one of the best and most luxurious beauty brands out there - La Prairie. I am sure lots of your have heard of the world-renowned Swiss company of timeless beauty. Its innovative skincare, color and fragrance collections are widely regarded for setting the benchmark within the luxury cosmetic industry.
We'll be talking about their La Prairie Cellular Radiance Perfecting Fluide Pure Gold, which showcases a new milestone in skin revitalization. 
The product is inspired by my favorite time of the day - the golden hour. There is a magic time when a fleeting light casts a spell on everything it touches. It happens the moment the sun begins to rise, and again just before it sets. Shadows lengthen, colors are enhanced, the earth is in soft focus. Warm light bathes the skin in breathtaking beauty. It is an elusive moment, revered by artists, that stirs something deep inside us, and feels unlike anything else in the world. Some call it the Golden Hour. La Prairie calls it Radiance. La Prairie Cellular Radiance Perfecting Fluide Pure Gold re-creates that magic and makes skin glow with an immediate golden luminosity, enhancing a flawless skin finish.
To help mimic the subtle luminosity the “golden hour” imparts on skin, Cellular Radiance Perfecting Fluide Pure Gold is empowered by La Prairie’s advanced gold-science platform– an exclusive combination of pure gold, golden reflecting agents and a unique anti-aging golden peptide – and our exclusive Golden Lotus Blend made with Lotus Japonicus, an extraordinary flower revered in Asia where it is considered to be a plant of renowned beauty.
Once Cellular Radiance Perfecting Fluide Pure Gold is applied, the lightweight gel-cream emulsion becomes fluid, working its magic on skin. Instantly, skin looks enhanced. Enriched by gold’s anti-redness properties, it calms skin’s appearance and imparts a fine, soft-focus finish. Over the long term, skin quality is improved from deep within, as texture is continually refined and smoothed, firmness increases. 
I tried the La Prairie Cellular Radiance Fluide for a few weeks now and I can definitely see some changes on my skin. But besides obvious results, I am all about excellence in any way possible. From what's inside to the packaging this product is a pure work of art and science (costs like art for sure ;)), but definitely worth it if you are an admirer of such luxury ;)

February 3, 2016

Miami Vibes

If you follow me on social media, you already know that I spent the past few days in Miami. It was my first time there and I really enjoyed it. Tropical climate is not something I experience often, so it was definitely fun to watch the weather change so fast: heat waves, high humidity, heavy rains and cold evenings (in January only) could all happen in one day. I spent my time exploring the city and hanging out in South Beach. Even paid a few visits to the beach itself ;)
Packing for any trip is quite a challenge for me, but it has gotten much easier thanks to my favorite Lulus. I picked out an outfit which was perfect for Miami – a beautiful yellow body, a high waisted skirt, sexy high heels (Miami style!) and an elegant clutch, which I am sure I’ll use a lot in upcoming seasons. Oh, and by the way, I am obsessed with the choker necklace – such a sexy and charming piece!

January 20, 2016

Athleisure for every occasion


This post is sponsored by Target
January is a month of cold weather and the post-holiday lull. All we want is to get in sweatpants and a cozy robe, and sit on a couch watching our favorite show and relaxing. But with going back to work and our new year's routine changes, it's key to balance our comfort and style with easy, versatile pieces for every occasion.
Luckily, Target has got us covered again. Target's athleisure collection includes a range of items, from patterned leggings to leisure dresses to sweaters. They are all super comfy, but, most importantly, they're super versatile and stylish. I created three different looks with pieces from the collection for different occasions.
The first look is a perfectly comfy sweat suit from Target, which I accessorized with high-heeled booties and a leather bag for a touch of glam in an otherwise casual ensemble. It's the perfect look for a weekend brunch with friends.

January 18, 2016

Smoothie King Change a Meal Challenge

January is an important month. We make our New Year's resolutions and during this month we'll be able to set our course in the right direction. Making healthy and active goals are on top of our resolutions lists every year, and each year we are trying to come up with easier ways to stick with them. The Smoothie King Change a Meal Challenge might just be the right way to go in 2016.

The Smoothie King challenge is to replace one meal a day with one of their highly nutritious and filling smoothies. They are all under 400 calories (based on 20 oz serving), minimum of 10 grams of protein and 35 grams of quality carbs. We all know by now that incorporating enough protein and carbs helps us feel longer. 

Personally,  I try to maintain my weight by sticking with my diet, and what a better way to keep on track with it, than a delicious smoothie instead of one meal. I think I already found my favorite flavor - it's Lean 1 Chocolate. Definitely worth trying ;)

If you want to join me and participate in the Smoothie King Challenge, share your goal to get started on Smoothie King's site. You’ll be entered to win prizes and earn more chances to win every time you post #changeameal smoothie selfies. Join the e-Kingdom to get a $2.99 coupon and #changeameal. Earn rewards every time you #changeameal! Smoothie King will select and notify winners via social media comments and/or email. Smoothie King will ship all prizes within 6 weeks of prize claiming by the winner. Join the challenge here: CHANGE A MEAL CHALLENGE

January 14, 2016

Patterns and Expressions with Jonathan Adler Phones

If you follow me long enough, you might know that I am always searching for original artwork or print for my house and my style. I love different patterns in clothing and life, but tend to stick with classic black and white combinations. Luckily, even with these two colors, the amount of patterns is virtually limitless. Starting from home decor to my accessories, books, candles and outfits, I am always searching for the next favorite and original print. 
So naturally, once I learned about the new collaboration between Moto X Pure Edition and Jonathan Adler, I immediately got interested. Jonathan Adler’s designs span furnishings to fashion. Now, he brings his penchant for impeccable craftsmanship and irreverent luxury to personal technology in an inspired collaboration with Motorola. He created three limited editions of the Moto X Pure Edition. The designs are unique and eye catching, but most importantly, they are great ways of expressing one's personality. I personally like all three designs, but my favorite is monochromatic just because it's me ;) 
By the way, the new Moto X Pure Edition is worth mentioning by itself along with its incredible features:
• Top-rated 21 MP camera 
• All day battery
• TurboPower for the world’s fastest charging 
• A stunning 5.7” Quad HD display
• Front-facing stereo speakers deliver crisp, clear, and powerful audio
• Advanced water protection so spills, splashes, or rain won’t ruin your day
• It’s unlocked, which means you can use your Moto X on any network, and switch carriers whenever you want - without having to buy a new phone.

January 2, 2016

Black and White Reflections

Happy New Years, my dear friends! Let's take a moment in our lives and be grateful for the beautiful 2015. This black and white look is a symbolic representation of my year. For me personally it was a very tough year, a lot has changed in my life and sometimes life looked completely black. But there were definitely a few positive moments represented by "white". 
It's important to see the good in bad situations, but most importantly, stay humble and grateful. No matter the challenges that this past year has brought on me, I am grateful for every second of it and I am also extremely grateful to be healthy and alive greeting the beautiful 2016! I hope you guys can relate and I wish you more white than black in the New Year. Black is a necessity though, the outfit wouldn't look stylish and refined without it ;)