Gift Ideas

A lot of my girlfriends have had birthdays in the past couple months, and though I've done something slightly different for each one, I've found some options that any girl would love. 

1. Sixth Course Passionfruit Caramels. Sixth Course, a small chocolate company in San Francisco, is my latest chocolate crush. I usually find myself underwhelmed by fancy chocolates because they are often expensive, look better than they taste, or have flavor additions that don't actually complement the chocolate. Sixth Course is different. I've tried most of their chocolates and most have been hits. I'm not even a white chocolate fan and love these Passionfruit Caramels. Some of my other favorites are the Rosemary Caramel and the Honey and Fennel Pollen flavors, though you really can't go wrong.
2. Prospect Goods Diamond Pinatas. This would be an amazing gift to bring to a party, especially if you fill it with high-quality candy. These pieces are just stunning and the company also makes different colors and shapes. A glamorous pinata for adults is so genius.
3. Lulu dK Tattoos. Flash tats are all the rage these days. These temporary tattoos look like jewelry and can be worn as bracelets, anklets, necklaces, or in creative ways. They vary in quality but I've found Lulu dK to consistently look beautiful and last a long time. This would also be a fun gift to give a friend when getting ready for a special event.
4. Capri Blue Iridescent Jar Candle in Volcano. Something that will make any shelf prettier, this candle is not only nice to look at, but also smells like a tropical vacation. I haven't met anyone who dislikes Capri Blue's signature Volcano scent. It's tropical and fruity but not in a syrupy or cloying way, rather the greener notes lighten it up and make it more like fruit on a tropical breeze than fruit jam. 

February Favorites

These are my favorite items from last month:

1. Anastasia Brow Wiz in Taupe. I only recently started filling in my brows and have found this to be a great product for the job. I have naturally black hair and sparse brows, and the light Taupe color is the most natural and forgiving on me. The tip is super thin so you can be precise, and the pigmentation is enough to show up but not too sensitive that you get harsh lines. To mimic natural brows, the strategy is to do many quick, light strokes around any spaces. It also has a spool on the back for combing the brows. 
2. Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Melted Ruby. I love the slanted sponge applicator on this product. Melted Ruby is a deep, romantic, slightly pinkish red, and the formula is intensely pigmented and glides on so smoothly. It doesn't bleed, and it fades into a nice stain. It's long-wearing compared to normal lipsticks but expect to do touchups if you're eating or drinking. Perhaps the ease of use or the formula itself has got me picking this product over all my other red lipsticks lately. 
3. Tom Ford Platinum Cream Color for Eyes. This is one of the best cream eyeshadows I've ever used. I use it on top of a primer and usually layer eyeshadow on top, and it lasts all day. The color is a beautiful glimmery taupe that is easy to build up and blend out. The texture is this magically souffle that makes you feel like the $42 was worth it. Unfortunately this was a limited edition product, but I know Tom Ford is releasing more of them at some point. 
4. Marta Jonsson Black Suede Snake Ankle Boot. I bought these in Reykavik last month and have been wearing them everywhere ever since. Black makes them versatile, and the different textures with the gold accent keeps them interesting; the chunky heel is tall but super sturdy. I'd love to try more footwear from this designer.

Latest favorite jeans

AYR The Skinny in La Brea. These have quickly become my most worn jeans. The material feels expensive and has stretch without crossing into legging territory, the fit is flattering, the copper metal is a beautiful detail, and the more-saturated-than-normal light blue wash adds some color to the neutrals I’ve been into these days. I almost never buy duplicates but I’m considering buying another pair of these in Jet Black.