Posts from — January 2012

On a slightly more frivolous note from today’s earlier post (thank you for all of your wonderful suggestions), I thought I’d share a few of my essentials I lug around with me on a daily basis. My purse is constantly bursting at the seams, but when I remove all of the receipts, excess change, and random trinkets (I’m not sure who really needs five pens, a pair of flats, three necklaces, and old magazines), it suddenly becomes much more manageable. Not pictured: my camera, for obvious reasons.

1. Valentino wallet/2. iPad + cover/3. Elizabeth and James sunglasses/4. Bright Ideas Notepad + Pen/5. Prada business card holder/6. iPhone + Kate Spade case/7. Trident Splash gum/8. Planet Blue hair ties/9. Kind Almond & Coconut Bar/10. Post-its/11. Headphones/12. Alexander McQueen keychain/13. Band-Aids/14. Forever 21 cosmetic case/15. Products (from left to right): Urban Decay Kohl Liner, Issey Miyake roll-on perfume, Korres lip butter, Time Balm concealer, Nail file, Oribe serum (sample), Nars illuminator, Rosebud Salve, Estee Lauder Lipgloss.

{Seagull footsteps in the sand}

On Sunday night, I was feeling overwhelmed – about my busy week, upcoming speaking engagements (here and here), and a few unfinished details about the wedding. As I was getting ready for bed, I brought back one of the most helpful tricks I learned while writing my thesis in college. I pulled out a notepad and started writing down all of the things that were on my mind that were either small (finalize hotel reservations for Austin during SXSW) or large (finish editorial calendar for the next three months).

While seeing it all on paper was pretty nerve wracking (especially when my list topped off at six pages), it allowed me to refocus my energy, relax, and most importantly, to gain some perspective. My schedule is undeniably packed, but my list of worries is seemingly insignificant in comparison to larger things like my relationships, the health of my loved ones, and my overall happiness.

Do you have any tricks for tackling anxiety?

Balenciaga Sunglasses, J.Crew Sweater, Zara Skirt, J.Crew Pumps, Reed Krakoff Bag, Maybelline ‘Coral Crush’ Lipstick

I love color blocking since it makes it okay to combine shades that normally wouldn’t work together (tangerine/pink, blue/green, navy/black). The same can’t exactly be said about this sweater, since it merges three very neutral tones, but the execution was too perfect to pass up. I bought it as a great layering piece for New York Fashion Week, but decided it would be just as useful worn yesterday afternoon, once the heat finally let up.

{Hyacinths that make our gray walls look purple in the morning light}

This was a good week. It was productive and fulfilling and made way for evenings that were quiet and still. The days were unseasonably warm, even for L.A., so we took full advantage by eating outdoors, and going for walks before the sun went down. This weekend will be spent doing quite a bit of work, but since the weather is supposed to stay nice, I’ll hopefully be able to do some of it in the backyard. Here are a few of the things that made me happy this week.

{An adorable gift: a notepad that I plan on keeping with me at all times}

{Vintage inspiration – mustard yellow dress + a jeweled brooch}

{Heart paperclips that make office organization fun}

{Favorite dessert in L.A. – Gjelina’s Butterscotch pot de crème}