Water Never Looked So Good

100% recyclable and BPA-free, glass is the obvious water bottle choice for the on-the-go. Stay hydrated and stylish with these fashionable, practical must-haves.

brk Bambi Heart

Classic Twist Cap – 22 oz Glass Bottle (shown in Green Apple) by TAKEYA

16 oz Glass Bottle with Classic Cap and Silicone Sleeve (shown in Raspberry) from the Lifefactory

Original bottlesUp glass bottle

Weekend Market Finds

Good Day Sunshines,

Having a wonderful weekend I hope! I spent yesterday afternoon wandering my local flea market which was packed with wonderful handmade, artisan, vintage and trendy finds. In fact, I acquired five fantastic items for a grand total of $66.

Photo Credit Elle Kru 2014

Photo Credit Elle Kru 2014

Pictured above:

xox, Elle

Tips for a Closet Clean-Out

Hello Loves,

Is your closet overflowing but you never have anything to wear? Does it take you forever to find things? Is opening your closet doors and dressers drawers daunting at best? Yes, yes, yes?

Time to get real and get organized.

  1. If it is stained, torn, worn out, has an odor or damaged beyond repair- then trash it. Sometimes you just have to let go.
  2. There’s a time and place for everything. You may want to consider moving away from clothing that is not age appropriate.
  3. You haven’t worn it recently or maybe never at all and realistically you never will. Be honest, it’s time to say goodbye.
  4. A size too big or a size too small equates to too little room for what actually does fit.
  5. If you don’t like it you don’t need it. Why keep anything that you don’t like?
  6. Your clothing should make you feel beautiful and confident. If it doesn’t make you feel great, then out it goes.
  7. If it is no longer your style then it has no place in your closet. Break-ups are heartbreaking but life must go on.

Katie Anderson of modern-eve.com has put together an editing tree which I found incredibly insightful. Check it out: How to Successfully Purge Your Wardrobe.

xox, Elle

Influenced by the Past

Having a nostalgic moment. Over the course of my lifetime, I’ve received much cherished advice spanning a myriad of topics from the amazing women who graced my life. I would be honored to hear what the women and or men in your life shared with, and taught, you.

“You can grow old gracefully or die young.” my Grandma, A

“Everyday is a birthday.” my Grandma, M

Dress for yourself. Your clothing should make you feel confident and attractive- regardless of your age.

Your shoes speak volumes. Do not underestimate the power of footwear.

Know your color.

Have a signature scent. It allows you to be present long after you leave.

There is never a wrong time- or age- for red lipstick, if you wear it right.

You never know who you may run into or who by may stop by.

Focus on what you have as opposed to what you do not have.

Creativity goes a long way.

Work within your means. You don’t have to buy a new wardrobe; scarves, belts and accessories can speak volumes.

Keep a journal documenting your outfits to insure you don’t always wear the same outfit. (My mom did this for quite some time out of school.)

Hot rollers are a lifesaver.

Learn how to properly iron and mend your own clothes; you will never regret learning. (In my home, these skills were acquired by the time you started kindergarten!)

Never stop dancing and singing.

Laughter and kindness make you infinitely beautiful.

It is improper to ask a woman her age.

“Let them look. I know I look good.” My grandma M who taught us that strong, independent women can also be elegant and graceful.

xox, Elle

Burgundy, A Color Story

Burgundy, I’m in love.

Barbour Burgundy Wollsington Crew Neck Jumper available at Liberty London

Lucy Choi London Yarmouth leather ankle boots at Matchesfashion.com

PAUL & JOE Randy lace-trimmed crepe jumpsuit available at NET-A-PORTER

Burgundy Chiffon Long Sleeve Tunic Dress available at New Look

2 X Rosie Flower Set from Accessorize

Ready, Set, Kick-Start

I spend way too much time procrastinating. I have grandiose plans. I think big. Problem? I don’t aways execute. Example, it’s November 6th and I’m only posting this now. Solution? I decided to make monthly to do, must complete, mini-bucket list if you will.

picstitch

  1. Start holiday shopping. Big family. Long list. Need time.
  2. Catch up on. Email, dry-cleaning, tailoring, shoe repair…
  3. Clean out my bedroom dresser- I am dreading this.
  4. Make something. Anything. With my hands. Just stop talking about it and do it.
  5. Take a class because I want to. Does registering count?
  6. See the Henri Matisse the Cut Outs exhibit at the MoMa. This goes without saying.
  7. Read a book. I haven’t decided which one yet, but I will. Really, I will.
  8. Holiday cards. Every year I buy them. Every year I get as far as to… date… and then never send. Let’s try again.
  9. Plan a vacation before 2014 allotted days expire! Very important.
  10. Cook something new and exciting (open to suggestions)

Let’s see how far I get and what carries over.

Wish me luck!

xox, Elle

Falling For Floral Skirts

Who says floral skirts are just for spring and summer?

xox, Elle

Coast Harper Skirt from House of Fraser

Kiranda Jacquard Midi Skirt at Topshop

Emma Winter Floral Full Midi Skirt at boohoo.com

Hot Pink Floral Tulle Print Midi Skirt at Chicwish

Uttam Boutique City Floral Print Skirt from House of Fraser

Mint Velvet Ami Print Midi Skirt from House of Fraser

Black Floral Print Midi Skater Skirt at New Look

Gwen Midi Skirt from Abercrombie & Fitch

Erika Cavallini Semi Couture Floral Jacquard Full Skirt at FARFETCHED

Toast Nora Floral A-Line Skirt, Multi from John Lewis

All Seasons Skin Care
Cold weather can equate to dry skin but with dedication and diligence it doesn’t have to. Follow the tips for year round radiance. 

Sunscreen, Just Use It!

We all know sunscreen is not just for the tropics. While the warm of the sun, feels feels fantastic it is still damaging. Even if your moisturizer, canceler, powder, etc. contains sunscreen, WebMD recommends applying a separate sunscreen for added protection.  (And remember, the sun causes damage even on cloudy days.)

Hydrate

Water is your best friend. Click below to assist you in determining your H2O requirements. Your doctor can provide information you as well.

Wash & Dry

Oily? Dry? Combination? Sensitive? Know your skin type to determine the right cleansers to use. Keep in mind, your skin type can change seasonally and when switching climates. 
Wash with warm water and pat dry. Be gentle. Love your face; it will love you back. 

Moisturize

You are never to young to moisturize and it’s never to late to start. Apply immediately after washing to lock in water. 
Don’t be wooed. There are many brag-worthy high end products on the market and equally fabulous reasonably priced options. Find what’s right for your skin and your wallet. The choices are endless. 

Sweet Dreams

Before closing your eyelids, remove your make-up. This is non-negotiable if you want glowing clear skin and who doesn’t! Read my earlier post on how to best remove your eye make-up.

 Change your sheets often. Dirt, grease and product from your hair is absorbed into your linens and in turn, clogs your pores. 
Get a good night’s rest. Overtired? Stressed? It shows.
Happy skincare!
xox, Elle

Spring into Autumn

There’s no denying winter is coming on this brisk Monday morning. However, I’m not quite ready to let go of sunny lazy beach days, fresh-cut flowers and soft hues. For a few more days I am going to obsess in keeping the spring in my step.

IMG_2470
Pictured above

  • Pink Studded Club Monaco Pumps
  • Coco Chanel Mademoiselle Perfume
  • Paper Pinwheels

xox, Elle