pacific sun,

California native makeup artist and cosmetic designer, Gucci Westman, is bringing her splendor of the bright and beachy to Revlon products with her Pacific Coast collection. Revlon's spokes model Emma Stone channels the sizzling surfer girl, with her golden tanned skin and nude nails. Gucci's electric color palette for the collection is full of vibrancy, which is sure to produce waves this summer with every flawless stroke. 

image: Exposure NY 

garden suit,

The bathing suit is the model spokes-piece for summer. I cannot recall the last time I invested in a sweet two-piece or lovely one-piece at that. This summer though, calls for an alteration, and my liking for floral blooms further than my style can stem. I plan to emboss with electric orange and poppy red lips (courtesy of Maybelline and Avon) to fashion the 50’s pinup mode. I borrowed a little style inspiration from a huge love of mine, Miss Monroe. 

crop shop,

This week the weather has been pretty dubious. And with that said, finding the right cover up with a stylish panache is a must. The crop jacket is a mix between formal and cool, it can be worn paired with skinny jeans or layered over a stunning frock. Whichever route you go, whether bold or multi patterned; others will want to crop your style!

shape it,

Play up the space you love with geometric shapes.  My living room could use an energetic statement piece and a pattern area rug will suffice. Browsing through Horchow.com, I captured some potential picks; my selections coincided with my style, quirky patterns in fun shades.  

1. Panthea Flatweave Rug

2. Oran Greek Key Flatweave Rug

3. Hideaway Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Rug

4. Delia Chevron Flatweave Rug

wrist lit,

Shine bright like a diamond definitely defines these two sparkly numbers. Two of my preferential accessory designers have created some fine pieces that I would love to lace my wrist with. The colored jewels bring these arm perfections to life and add a striking glimmer to any summer get up. 

a. Shourouk 

Bakara Moonlight silver-plated Swarovski crystal bracelet

b. J.Crew

Étoile cubic zirconia and crystal bracelet

double pop,

 

Summer 2013 nails seal the deal with two-toned hues. What was once a single thing, has now doubled up, so join in on the cool and mix up all your favorite shades to create a punchy mani. Bright tips are definitely a winner for the warm weather and Essie nail polishes have winning shades.  The key to this fun in the sun look; add a thin layer when creating the tips, this keeps it clean and polished. 

1. First Timer

2. Come Here

3. Madison Ave

4. Under-Where

Image: Allure March 2013

wild things,

Style extraordinaire, Iris Apfel quoted─ “If your hair is done properly and you’re wearing good shoes, you can get away with anything”; and I wholly agree. A luxurious shoe does wonders to a simple look.  This summer take a walk on the wild side with mixed animal prints with geometrically subtle exteriors. Pair these safari-inspired beauties with distressed jeans and a crop top, a solid stretch tank dress covered with chunky gold accessories or my preference this season, a fetching mini floral print baby doll dress; which ever look you fix on, make it worth your wild!

jenna styles,

President and Executive Creative Director to the brightly preppy yet genteel J. Crew collection; Jenna Lyons, 44, is the quintessence of a girl on fire. Starting her career at 21, she heightened the concept of working from the bottom up in style and distinct grace. Jenna made her first impact as a J.Crew menswear assistant and now oversees the entire direction of the collection. She fashions the JC look with her sartorially smart mixes, garbing her face with her signature black frames. However, Jenna is not a newbie to beenalabella.com; she was highlighted in my 2011 “Style Power” post. What inspires me about this chic individual, is her need to express, in Maire Claire’s May 2013 @Work issue, that there is no such thing as overnight success, you don’t have to have everything right away. I concur with Lyons because I feel that a solid foundation is the heart of a successful career. Keep doing what you love and what you love will become what you do! -beenalabella 

mirror mirror,

I am infatuated with mirrors and I gratefully fault my grandmother for this mere obsession. She had a gorgeous large square shaped mirror that would greet you, once you entered the apartment. To me, it was such a cheerful invite;  I am now hunting for something a bit similar for the bare wall in my foyer. Mirrors are superb for enriching the size of a small space; it creates the illusion of a spacious setting. I selected two choices I had in mind, with stainless steel frames, which will align with my clean color scheme.

1. Horchow Jexa Mirror
2. Horchow Beaded Mirror

bubble fun,

The renowned April shows bring May flowers saying was certainly realistic with today’s scattered showers; I could not help but wish I had a balloon umbrella to keep me dry. This style umbrella happens to be my favorite, not only does it provide full coverage, but it is adorably stylish. 

Felix Rey 'Kissy Face' Umbrella, www.shopbop.com

skin care,

With the summer forthcoming, having beach ready skin is kind of a big deal. I am a promoter of clear, healthy looking skin, and cringe whenever I obtain a scar. While I was flipping through my March 2013, O magazine, I discovered an organic oil, with Vitamin E and plant extract, that treats scars, aging, uneven tone and dehydrated skin. This effective skin care formula is Bio-Oil and the best part about this beauty pick me up; it is available at local drugstores. Which makes it accessible for getting a early start on summer skin care.  

foot loose,

 

I was shopping in Target this past weekend and came across a trendy pair of Mossimo Falk thong sandals; which came in a variety of color/pattern combos. Of course, my first reaction was to slip a pair on to test the fit. As I imagined they fit wonderfully, and the price was even more fitting, $19.99.  I felt the urge to collect every style; it flatters any summer get up, and displays your pedi perfectly. 

visit www.target.com to view the full collection

happy 4th beenalabella,

4 Years ago, today, I entered the blogging world with a passion. My objective was to create a site that allowed me to display my writing style and creative outlook to the world, through fresh and fun subjects. My post for the past 4 years have consist of that and more. From fresh features to trendy tips, indispensable beauty solutions, afford-ably stylish get ups, and fun fashion ideas. Strap on your sassiest pair of heels and let’s take a walk down fashion and beauty lane, as I recap the best of beenalabella.com.

pillow plush,

The right pop of whimsy is all I need to brighten my mood, especially in my living space. And, the simplest way to create this ambiance, is with colorfully, obscurely designed pillows. Whether their thrown or perfectly placed; pillows bring the cozy to the chic! 

1. Xhilaration Round Ruffle Pillow, Target

2. Room Essential Patterned Pillow, Target

3. Simple is Beautiful decorative Pillow, Target 

4. Xhilaration Crotchet Flower Pillow, Target 

5. Boho Boutique Knotted Yarns Pillow, Target 

hair bouquet,

Even in adulthood, you can still take notes from little girls. My style has always had a playfully girlish flair. Consequently, it is no question that my accessories are parallel to the same trend, especially my hairpieces. Lately flower headbands have become my main hair attraction, from wreath to crown; my appeal is worth the pick. 

pink pout,

Summer 2013 is all about dramatic pastel shades, and that does not exclude your lips.  I have touched on my darling MAC Viva Glam Gaga pink lipstick in past post but it’s presently at its finishing point, and I am in need for an alternate. Don’t get me wrong, of course I will be replenishing my original love but I would like to have some options available to paint my pout, pretty in pink.  

high maintenance,

 

Look 1Look 2

Colored high-waisted jeans have been on my summer dream list for a while now.  I adore all the pastel shades that are available and how they can be worn with a multitude of patterns. Since I confessed my magnetism to garden prints, I paired two of the season’s popular hues with two floral wedges that work flawlessly with the form, feminine fit.

Look 1: Faith Connexion Aqua High-waisted Jean Legging, Kate Spade Dabney Floral Fabric Wedge Sandal

Look 2: Faith Connexion Coral High-waisted Jean Legging, Kate Spade ila Silk Floral Print Platform Sandal in Pink 

flower girl,

 

Today was the first day, since the official first day of spring, that we actually had warm weather. I started picturing roses and every other gorgeous flower that exist. My redundant need to touch on floral arrangements has reached its focus point, because now I can actually start flourishing in them. It’s such a sweet way to spring in the new season and comes in a vast selection. I narrowed down some of my pretty pickings all with one thing in mind, the need to bloom!

1. Crochet Lace Dress

2. Jimmy Choo Kemble Floral 

3. Tory Burch Printed Robinson Dome satchel 

4. Mulberry Flower Jacket Mint Twill 

life art,

Last month I purchased this wall art for my bedroom from HomeGoods, I had been on the hunt for it ever since I stumbled upon it last summer in Marshall's. It has all my favorite model life sayings written in one place. And, one décor piece that I will value, and strive to pursue, one phrase at a time. 

tip tote,

A tote bag is a savvy yet stylish way to store all your belongings, big or small, in one place without clutter. The spring styles vary in a sundry of coatings; color-blocking, floral prints, leather finishes, mesh material and refined patent. Issey Miyake took the tote torch with his bright, retro chic, geometric prism designed tote. The ‘Lucent Bao Bao shopper’ is a groovy handbag for spring/summer especially with the season’s mod approach to fashion. 

love notes,

If I could have a closet full of sumptuous perfumes, I would!  I am a fragrance aficionada and lover of sweet-smelling notes, I can identify your perfume with one (or two) whiffs; its quite a talent.  I feel the right perfume can set the mood and give you a distinctive personality with one spritz. Just to let you in on a little secret: while preparing my post, I sometimes spray a scent on my wrist to stimulate my creative aesthetic, it helps develop colorful thoughts and content. I have a couple of jasmine, vanilla and  musk notes on my wish list; these are some scents I love. 

mint condition,

Put your fresh foot forward with hints of mint aka pistachio. The colors of the season range from bold to pastel and this shade is light, powdery, and chic to the max; speaking volumes with every wear. Aside from my collection of mint colored earrings, bracelet and fitted dress pants, I am setting my eyes on some footwear that is conditional to my multifaceted style.