Since You’ve Been Gone….

Hello lovelies!
I thoroughly apologize for leaving you guys so suddenly and silently.  Last December, I decided to quit my jobs, sell my stuff, and pack my bags to travel the world.  My first stop was Bali, where I spent an amazing two months.  After that, I traveled to Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand.  From there, I went down to Sydney, Australia where I stayed until mid-July.  Now, I’m back in Bali once again and loving life.

I’ll be posting more periodically whenever I have free time, and will add in lots of travel-related posts moving forward.  I’ve missed you all!

xoxo, Sophie

P.S. It’s worth noting that I’ve somehow managed to survive on one, just one, carry-on size backpack…  I’ll share my advice on how my fashionistas can manage it too in a future post.  Stay tuned!

This very unfortunately is not me sitting on the side of a plane wing…

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent has finally designed the cool girl’s quintessential roller skate.  Imagine skating down Venice Beach in a pair of high-waisted denim shorts and these bad boys.  Channel your inner Lana Del Rey below.

Saint Laurent California High-Top Roller Skates, $1195, via Luisaviaroma

 

What do you think of these roller skates?

xo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Givenchy

Givenchy mules first debuted last year in New York Fashion Week on the Spring/Summer 2016 runway, where it caused that notorious Candice Swanepoel & other model’s fashion week fall.  Nonetheless, these Italian-made Givenchy mules are exquisitely beautiful, featuring a lizard-effect and smooth metallic leather.  Pair these with a colorful, monochromatic outfit to accentuate the silver heels.

Givenchy mesh-paneled metallic leather mules, $1,050, via Net-a-Porter 

 

What do you think of these heels?  How would you style them?

xoxo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Laurence Dacade

Laurence Dacade is known for having whimsical and unique prints in her designs.  The French designer’s philosophy is “There is no need to suffer for beauty”, and it is apparent in her comfortable shoe styles that are both fashionable & functional.

Check out these darling David Bowie -inspired booties.  If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you know that we are obsessed with Bowie’s style.  Wear them with oversized, worn-in denim and a sexy cropped top to balance out the bold style of the boots.  

And don’t forget red lipstick & some serious self-confidence.

Laurence Dacade Bowie paneled leather ankle boots, $960, via Net-a-Porter 

 

What do you think of these boots?  How would you style them?

xo, loves

Have a beautiful weekend!

The Ultimate Beauty Guide, From A-Z: The Letter B, decoded

 

A while back, Trends & Tribulations started the ABC’s of beauty to help educate readers on the many weird, bizarre, and overall unknown ingredients and products on the market.  We continue on this segment with the letter B.

 

BB CREAM

Image via uh supply

Essentially a supercharged foundation, this tinted “beauty balm” blends moisturizer, sunscreen, primer and foundation into a do-it-all complexion product.

BENZOYL PEROXIDE

Image via NYC Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide is a bacteria-fighting ingredient found in skincare products to treat acne.  It’s made in the scientific laboratory by treating hydrogen peroxide with benzoyl chloride.  It is usually found in 2.5 to 10 percent concentrations in acne treatment products.

BETA HYDROXY ACID (BHA)

Paula’s Choice BHA Spot Treatment, $43 for 0.3 oz., via Paula’s Choice

BHA is a oil-soluble substance that works by exfoliating deep into pores to make room for regeneration of new skin. It is generally less irritating than alpha hydroxy acid.  It works best for acne prone skin, since it is soluble in oil, vs. its counterpart, Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), which is water-soluble.  It can make skin sensitive, so be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen when using it (keep scrolling for more info).

BLACK TEA

Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Traditions kit, $98, via Sephora

A tea containing vitamins, (B2, C, E), minerals (magnesium, potassium, zinc), polyphenols and tannins.  vitamins (B2, C, E), minerals (magnesium, potassium, zinc), some essential oils, polyphenols and tannins.  Polyphenols are natural antioxidants that neutralize free radicals.  Tannins protect our bodies and skin from environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV radiation and are known to fight bacteria.

BIOTIN

Vibrance Biotin & MSM Capsules for Long Hair, $29.99, via Amazon

Part of the B complex vitamin, also known as vitamin H, it aids in cell growth and production of fatty acids, promoting healthy hair, skin and nails.  It is found in products, but can also be taken in pill form.

BOTANICAL

Fig + Yarrow boasts botanical beauty products, image via Fig + Yarrow

Botanical means plant-derived ingredients in skincare products, haircare and cosmetics.  The types of plants they originate from include herbs, roots, flowers, fruits, leaves or seeds.  They are most notable for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit sensitive skin with rashes, breakouts, sunburn, eczema, redness, and uneven texture.  They are also beneficial to use post-procedure, whether that is a chemical peel, laser, or anything else.

BRIGHTENING

From left: StriVectin Instant Revitalizing Mask, $62, via StriVectin; Clinique even better Brightening Moisture Mask, $36.50, via Sephora; Shiseido White Lucent All Day Brightener Broad Spectrum SPF 22, $57, via Sephora, image via Livingly

“Brightening” is a term for products that reduce skin redness and uneven pigmentation, typically using ingredients like salicylic or kojic acid.

BROAD-SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN

Image via SBA blog

Product that protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.  The SPF number essentially measures how much a sunscreen protects you from sunburn, which is caused solely by UVB rays.  UVA is a longer wavelength of sunlight & it consists of 95% of all ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth.  Therefore, a broad-spectrum sunscreen is an extremely important product to have to protect your skin from wrinkles and sun spots.

Image via LionessMagazine

 

Do you have any other questions about products beginning with B?  Share in the comments section below!

xo

 

 

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Marni

Swiss-born, Milan-based designer Consuelo Castiglioni, who founded the brand Marni over 20 years ago, stepped down from her position earlier this week to welcome her new replacement, Francesco Risso.  While it was rumored that Castiglioni would be stepping down after her runway show this fall, the news has stirred up controversy in the fashion world.  Nonetheless, she gave her blessing to Risso, and is confident he will design with her vision in mind.

Marni’s Spring/Summer ’17 show at Milan Fashion Week via Elle.com

In a 2014 interview with The Telegraph, Castiglioni said:

“I design for an independent woman. She dresses for herself, not to please others or to be judged. She wears Marni because she feels good in it, individual… I don’t like clothes that are tight or fitted, clothes that are about… [she spits out the word] SEX. This you will NEVER find in my collections. There is femininity, but it is an elegant femininity.”

Take these one-of-a-kind sculptural pumps by Marni for example.  In a world dominated by sex appeal, they are a refreshing reminder that fashion is not about sex.  It is about uniquely expressing one’s individuality through the simplistic art form of dressing.  

Marni Sculptural Pump, $980, via Moda Operandi

 

Wear these babies with a flared midi-skirt and a tucked-in blouse for a look that’s both fashionable and feminine.

 

What do you think of these heels?  Would you wear them?

xoxo

12 Seriously Easy Last-Minute DIY Halloween Costumes

Halloween always comes up unexpectedly.  If you are going to a costume party or going out this weekend, here are 12 DIY costumes you can easily put together using items you most likely already have around.

1.

Drake, via MTV

Turtleneck Sweater + Vampire Teeth = Drake-ula!

2.

Princess Leia, via StarWars.com

Flowy White Dress + Hair Buns = Princess Leia

3.

Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen, via Pinterest

Layers + Layers + Layers = Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen

4.

Grace Coddington, via Presley Ann/PMC

Red-Haired Wig + All-Black Outfit = Grace Coddington

Read on for more outfit inspiration!

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Delpozo

Delpozo’s new creative director Josep Font has been a breath of fresh air for the brand following Jesus del Pozo’s passing in 2011.  He has managed to remain true to the brand’s Spanish roots, with colorful designs and prints, while mixing in feminine and romantic vibes.

These velvet pumps are a perfect example of the playful, yet ladylike aesthetic.  These flirty heels are covered in pink and navy velvet, with a 4″ chunky heel.  Finish off the look with a below-the-knee skirt and high-collar blouse for a polished, yet refined look.

Delpozo Velvet Pump, $720, via Moda Operandi 

 

What do you think of these heels?  Share your thoughts below.

Have a beautiful weekend! 

xo

The Hottest New Bag Trends For The Fall & Winter Season

As the seasons change, so does fashion.  This fall and winter season, mini backpacks and bucket bags are the perfect transitional carry-all bag.  Every designer has some sort of backpack they are debuting this season, from Fendi to Versace to Chanel.  In all shapes, sizes, and colors, it is easy to find one (or ten) you’ll love.  Of course, clutches and shoulder bags are the timeless counterparts, if a classic bag is more your style.

Check out the top picks below.

 

 

Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Bag, $345, via Moda Operandi

 

MOSCHINO ‘Fashion Kills’ Printed Backpack, $850, via Shopbop

 

Saint Laurent Monogramme quilted leather shoulder bag, $1,990, via Net-a-Porter

 

Dolce & Gabbana ‘Sicily’ backpack, $2,595.00, via FarFetch

 

Olympia Le-Tan x Keith Haring book clutch, $1,651.66, via FarFetch

 

Versace Palazzo Medusa chain trim backpack, $1,804.97, via FarFetch

 

Prada Bibliothèque watersnake-paneled leather tote, $3,580, via Net-a-Porter

 

Balenciaga Traveller textured-leather backpack, $1,885, via Net-a-Porter

 

What do you think of these bags?  Are you into bucket bags or backpack-inspired bags?  Share your favorites in the comments section below!

xoxo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Fenty x Puma by Rihanna

If you can’t get enough of Fenty x Puma by Rihanna, you’re not alone.  With sporty accents, yet feminine silhouettes, the entire line is a game-changer.  Wear ’em with cuffed denim and a bomber jacket for the ultimate in athleisure style.

Fenty x Puma by Rihanna Lace-Up Boots with Leather, $879

 

What do you think of these boots?  How would you wear them?

xo