Fabulous Spring Essentials!

Below are my Spring Must Have Items at Nordstrom! Endless outfit combos! I'm sort of crushing on Moschino these days!  I also feel like each of these items are extremely versatile. A basic T-shirt, ripped jeans a chic bag and fabulous shoes can take you anywhere!
























https://www.sydewalk.com/profile/PaulaLalanne/sydewalks/33/spring-must-haves/

Find the most FABULOUS things on my Sydewalk!

 

https://www.sydewalk.com/profile/PaulaLalanne/sydewalks/30/paula-five-ways-to-fabulous-nordstrom-must-haves/

 

This link will take you directly to Nordstrom! xox Happy Shopping!

 

My 5 Favorite Summer to Fall Treansitional Pieces!

The transition from Summer to Fall is tricky. In the morning you are freezing cold but by the afternoon you are boiling, peeling off the layers.....or worse, wishing you had worn something different. Here are my favorite pieces to help make this transition easier.

1. Open toe booties.....they are my favorite new staple and since you can't wear them in the rain, now is the time to enjoy!




2. Long vests.....they keep you warm and you can layer long sleeves under them and then wear them with a tank for a whole new look.










3. Rompers...yes, you read that right. You can wear them with tights in the morning but you can peel the tights off if it gets hot. Just be sure to shave your legs first!







4. Blanket scarf....it keeps you warm in the morning and can be ditched in the afternoon.



5. Capes. I love long capes on cold mornings and how they instantly make an outfit more streamlined and chic.





https://www.sydewalk.com/profile/PaulaLalanne/sydewalks/30/paula-five-ways-to-fabulous-nordstrom-must-haves/
 

5 Reasons Why This Is the Holy Grail Of Foundaions!

I finally found the holy grail of foundation....MAKE UP FOR EVER recently came out with a new foundation  just as I was looking for something better than what I was using. It's called HD High Definition Foundation.  I was previously using a foundation that didn't break me out, but the colors were never right, and I was spending way too much time bronzing it up to make it match my ever-changing skin color. Finally, I decided, with literally thousands of options, I should be able to find something better...anything. I began test driving foundations for about a month, and much to my surprise, I actually didn't feel like I was settling when I tried this one. Here are the reasons why. 

1. I didn't break out.

This was HUGE for me. I literally held my breath each morning after I started wearing it before I looked in the mirror. I was expecting a new blemish to pop up, and to my surprise, I didn't have any unwelcome visitors! Hooray!

2.  The color match was perfect.

I have A LOT of yellow in my skin and it was absolutely identical to the color on my neck, which had some self-tanner on it.

3. It felt light.

It's not the lightest weight foundation as it's medium to full coverage, but it didn't feel overly heavy like other foundations I've recently tried.

4.  It looked great in pictures.

Haven't you ever noticed how your foundation can have a very different camera look? I struggle with this all the time. In the past my foundation has always looked too pink or just plain off. This is the first time I've actually liked the way my skin looks on camera.

5. It goes on easily and blends well.

I use either a blending sponge or brush, but either way it goes on easily and quickly because it isn't too thick.






                                      

In sunlight.

 

Without flash.

 

With flash.

 

Crisis Averted! When your dress fails you, here are 5 things you can do!

We have all been there and it's not pretty, you bought the perfect dress for a special night out or event, you go to put it on and something awful has happened....it has a tear, it doesn't fit, a strap broke....or worse it looked amazing in the fitting room (I'm convinced some stores have fun house mirrors) and you get it home and....hate it. Here are a few ways to make sure you still look and feel FABULOUS!

1. Have a backup in mind... ALWAYS.

This may seem obvious but you need a backup look in your closet at all times. That means having shoes, jewelry, hair and makeup all mentally planned and ready to go. Sort of like carrying Advil in your purse for an emergency, you need to have a party look ready to go at the drop of a hat. Pick a dress or outfit that has some stretch to it and that will accommodate any highs and lows you may be experiencing, or a loose sheath style. I have a little black silk dress that's loose and it doesn't matter if I'm bloated or at my fighting weight. It works with boots, wedges and pumps. I can switch up my jewelry to dress it up or down. I also have white dress like this and an orange one. I have worn these "backup" looks enough to replace my backups!






This dress is similar to a "back up" I have. I can layer fun babbles with it and dress it up or I can throw on a scarf and leather jacket with boots. It's light weight for travel and is ultra accommodating if I'm feeling a bit bloated.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tildon-racerback-shift-dress/4032537?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Black&resultback=1420


Think outside the box. It doesn't always have to be a LBD. Sometimes a natural hue can be just as chic and dressy. I would add a big statement necklace or layered gold chains and simple earrings. This dress has endless possibilities.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tildon-boatneck-crepe-shift-dress/3636280?origin=related-3636280-0-1-PP_4-Rich_Relevance_Recs_API-250459&recs_type=related&recs_productId=3636280&recs_categoryId=0&recs_productOrder=1&recs_placementId=PP_4&recs_source=Rich_Relevance_Recs_API&recs_strategy=250459&recs_referringPageType=item_page




Ditto for this, it's simple and can be dressed up or down. I'd throw this on over leather leggings or wear espadrilles and big hoop earrings.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/astr-lace-trim-shift-dress/3834256?origin=related-3834256-0-3-PP_4-Rich_Relevance_Recs_API-250459&recs_type=related&recs_productId=3834256&recs_categoryId=0&recs_productOrder=3&recs_placementId=PP_4&recs_source=Rich_Relevance_Recs_API&recs_strategy=250459&recs_referringPageType=item_page

*Be sure your back up dress is solid and without print so if you have to wear it multiple times and you're photographed you can make your look fresh with different accessories each time.


2. Don't neglect undergarments!

This is literally the biggest overlooked game-changer. Undergarments can do what no gym, plastic surgeon or magic fairy can do. There is a world of possibilities. Go and stock up for any and every cut of dress. You won't be sorry!

Just this past weekend I went to put on a dress that I had worn once before. It fit like a like couture in the store then when I went to put it on again it just didn't fit as well. To start the dress wasn't very fitted and it was strapless. I even had my back up dress on stand by but my heart was set on this simple back strapless. I decided to double up on my strapless bra's. I first put on the one that was the snuggest, then a looser one over it for double support. I will admit it wasn't the most comfortable thing but, a girls has to do what a girl has to do sometimes!

3. Needle and thread....

I used to be terrified of this combo. Growing up I handed anything that needed mending to my very capable mom. Once I left home for college I took things to the dry cleaner if they needed attention. Recently I've been in a few situations where I've only had the option of bucking up and doing it myself. It's not difficult and with a little practice it is well worth acquiring this skill....I PROMISE you will find yourself in a situation where you wish you knew how to stitch a busted strap or unsightly tear.

4. Lemon water the day before.

I swear by this. I guzzle lemon water for a few days before an event. If the dress is snug it will help. I also like to feel my best before I go somewhere special so if there is a dress mishap I don't feel bad from the inside out. If I eat heavily salted foods in the days before an event I feel bloated and icky. I also notice it helps my skin and mood to not feel weighted down with heavy meals.  

5. Don't forget your coat or wrap.

Unless you are attending something in sweltering heat with no opportunity to go indoors then you'll need a coat or wrap. I always find this last piece of the puzzle to either be a life saver or the most difficult part of the ensemble. If you'll be indoors where the air-conditioned will be cranked up or it's winter, sometimes a blazer or sweater can be just the perfect thing to hide any dress mishaps and you can still wear an overcoat.

I remember one time when I was pregnant I bought a cute dress to wear to a wedding. Two weeks later on the day of the event I went to put my dress on and it wouldn't zip up. I didn't have a back up dress and the one I was attempting to squeeze into was the closest thing I owned to something that fit. I put a long silk coat with three quarter length sleeves that went with a different dress. I changed my jewelry and wore a long necklace to go with the long coat and pinned the dress in the back. Needless to say I never took the coat off and a lesson was learned...the hard way.

Lastly.....

I've had many dress mishaps, too many to count. Now, I try to be as prepared as possible I have tape, thread, stain remover and everything in-between in a convenient little "emergency bag".  I made it myself based on accidents I've had in the past and it has saved me more than once. Not to mention my friends or strangers. But alas, one thing I know for sure... once you have a glass of bubbly most of your dress woes will fade away and you'll have a fabulous evening!







 

FABULOUS Splatter Paint...

This trend pops in and out of our lives like surprise birthday parties. We don't have them every year but when they happen they are FABULOUS. This trend works with a white crisp shirt, soft sweater or t-shirt, it's just flat out fun!

 

 

 

 

 Christian Louboutin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FABULOUS Florals!

These FABULOUS florals have me itching for this weather to warm up. Flowers make me happy. They bloom just to delight all of our senses. I have them scattered throughout my house, specifically orchids, hydrangeas, and peonies (when they're in season). They instantly add a huge dose of unapologetic glamour to any place they occupy, so what could be better than wearing them? I also love to use floral print in my interior design projects. My favorite thing to do is use large scale flower prints in textiles or wall coverings.  I  gravitate towards patterns with over a twenty-four inch repeat, in interior design language that means the flowers are...HUGE and the look is stunning.  I also think this trend is best when it's balanced with a bit of edge, pops of gold or silver and plenty of baubles. Now, grab a cappuccino or mimosa, sit back, enjoy and have a FABULOUS Sunday!
















Floral skirt by Alice and Olivia.







Haute Hippie




Marchesa Valencia Floral Lizard Clutch



Valentino Floral-Print Covered Clutch


Sophia Webster Rousseau Jungle Floral Pump. These would be stunning with

 

Gucci Double G Scarf

Aerin Printed Floral Tray

Charbonnel ET Walker "Vintage" Chocolates

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/brSearch.jsp?from=brSearch&fl=flags,merchant_api_json,alt_thumb_image,url&src=suggest&responsive=true&request_type=search&search_type=keyword&q=floral%20print&l=floral%20print&tc=1281

 

Perrier Jouet Rose Flower Bottle '02




https://www.designersguild.com/us/fabric-and-wallcoverings/l1121

Versace

 

 

 

Victor and Rolf Flowerbomb

 

Have a FABULOUS Sunday!