Sweet Tarte

When it's sticky and hot out, the last thing you want is your makeup caking up or sliding all over your face. It's all about fresh, lightweight makeup with lasting power. A great product when you are running out the door, but you need something that will last all day is Tarte's Cheek Stain. With 9 shades, you are bound to fall in love with one of them! These stay on your cheeks, and give you a healthy glow. An added bonus? You can use these as lip stains as well! Buy one (or all 9) and stay gorgeous all summer long.

Life is a Carnaval

I don't think words can describe to you the love I have for the Carnaval Bag from Anthro. From the over-the-shoulder shape, to the fringe, to the feathers....it all works! I am on a budget, so I can not splurge on this baby, but I can tell you about it, in the hopes that one of you can call it your own. This bag is so perfect for summer, and just about every activity that goes along with the warm weather. Alright- time to stop gushing! Enjoy the eye candy, and if you can- get your hands on it!

Summer Joys

There is something about spring and summer that makes me shift from more polished pieces, to something a tad more bohemian. Right now I want to be on the beach in Bora Bora wearing all white constantly, and sipping on pina coladas. Although I am not going on a tropical vacation, I can still fulfill my dream of wearing relaxed whites. The Things & Joys dress from Anthropologie is my current love. I will definitely be pairing this with some embellished sandals (maybe with some turquoise thrown in), and a thick brown belt. The dress can be a bit sheer at the bottom, so wearing something like this half slip by Calvin Klein would be a great solution. If you are like me, and adore this dress so much you wish you could have it in every color- get excited! No, you can't get it in every color, but it also comes in a dusty blue- which would look amazing for a summer lunch with friends. Let me know- what is your favorite go-to dress right now?

Images via Anthropologie.com

Qi New York spring promo!

Hey guys! I wanted to let all of you know that Qi New York is having a fabulous spring promotion! If you haven't heard of them before, Qi is a knitwear company that makes amazing cashmere pieces (that sounds like the perfect Mothers Day gift in my opinion)! So what is this fantastic promo you may ask? Just enter the word "SPRING" at www.qinewyork.com for 30% off everything except lounge and sale items.

Update and apologies!

So sorry to wait so long between posts! My laptop crashed and I had to get a new one- and have yet to install photoshop on it. Not a great excuse, I know! There is some exciting stuff in the works, and I hope to be posting more regularly as soon as I can. Please forgive me and my horrible blogging (or lack thereof)!

Check in soon for new posts!

To tide you over- I saw these amazing Frye sneakers on another blog (don't remember which one! sorry!) and fell in love. If I had the money to drop, I would buy every color. Enjoy the rainbow!

Cross Body Bags

During the warmer months, it can be a pain to drag around a huge purse. It's warm, and you don't want to be weighed down by a thousand unnecessary items. What's the solution? Small cross body bags! They are stylish, and can hold all the essentials. I really loved this range at ASOS inspired by Alexa Chung. What's so great is that they can easily go from a lazy day at the beach, to a dinner on the patio of your favorite restaurant- without looking out of place. Which color are you loving?

Colorful Creations

Turquoise has always been one of my favorite colors. Ever since I was little, and could never decide between "hot pink, purple, and turquoise". With all the raving about neutrals lately, I thought I would stray from the usual and brighten your (and my) day with some much needed color. Here are some inspiring images from the interwebs that I thought were so perfectly spring worthy. What colors get you excited for the spring season?

Images: Anthropologie, Martha Stewart, and Kate Spade

Sick, and Wishing For Sand

Dear World,

I wish I was at the beach right now- specifically where this picture was taken (on a vacation to florida). I am sick with a cold, and would much prefer to feel the warmth of the sun rather than the chills of a fever. If you could make me better, that would be great.

Thank you so much,

Ilyssa

Recycle Your Denim

I heard about this yesterday, and knew I had to share it with you. Between now and March 14th, 2010, you can bring in your old jeans (any brand) to The Gap and they will give you 30% off their new denim! All of the old denim will be recycled and used as 'green' housing insulation. Such a great deal! And we all know that you never wear those super distressed ones you have had for 6 years- plus you will be doing something good for the environment! So go green by trading in your blues at The Gap.

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

This week is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, and I wanted to bring light to this disease, that is often glamorized- especially in the fashion industry. If you or a loved one are dealing with an eating disorder, please seek help. There are great resources available to you.

Go to www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for more information.

Spotlight On: Lena Erziak Handbags

Anyone who knows me can tell you that if there is one thing I am willing to splurge on, it's a beautiful purse. Handbags are such an integral piece in a girl's wardrobe, because they are worn every day. A company that recently caught my eye was Lena Erziak Handbags. Designed by sisters Leona and Hasna Erziak, and handmade in Florence, the collection features unusual colors and luxurious materials. As you can see, these purses are perfect for a girl on the go- easily transitioning from day to night. I am in love with the vintage inspired shapes and stand out details like tassels and chains. Sold in the trendiest stores, and made from the most sumptuous materials, these purses are sure to be the next 'it' bags. Find out where to buy at www.lenaerziak.com.

Photos courtesy of lenaerziak.com

Flirty Under 30

Hello. My name is Ilyssa and I am on a budget. With the economic climate where it is, it's hard to purchase a $300 item without feeling a little guilty. Fear not fashionistas! There is no 12 step program required to put your wallet into recovery. Old Navy has some great options for spring fashion. All three items above are under 30 dollars (the necklace is under 13)! Amazing! Now you can rock the romper trend, relax in a maxi dress, or amp up an outfit with the layered chains necklace, all while being able to afford a nice dinner. How is that for cheap and chic?

Images via oldnavy.com

Grey's Anatomy

We are all well aware that neutrals are a huge trend for this spring, and with so much spring clothes in stores, it's hard to resist dressing for 80 degree weather. Because I live in LA, I have the option of dressing for spring in February, but for those of you who are in colder climates, you can easily layer spring items with winter and fall favorites to stay warm. Number 1 is aMetallic popover sweater by Vince. It's lightweight fabric is semi sheer, and will carry you into the warmer months. Number 2 on my transitional spring favorite list is the Relaxing Tee by Madigan (from Anthropologie). This slouchy Tee is perfect for a lazy day, worn with raggedy jeans and a hobo bag, or can be polished with a blazer and a fitted skirt. Numero tres is the gorgeous Dresden Moto Jacket from Mike & Chris. The snake embossing gives this jacket an edge, and more spring ready than your all black or brown jackets. Jeggings are everywhere this spring, and the pair in number 4 are perfect for warmer months. The lighter grey color will brighten up your winter wardrobe now, and will fit perfectly with your neutrals and colors for spring. The cutoff shorts featured as number 5 are by Free People. The dark wash pair can be worn with tights now, and show off your legs as it gets hotter out. I love the studded details on the side! Lastly are the only non-clothing item on this list. The Daryl Zip Wedge Sandals by Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent are a great shade of grey, than would look great with nubby tights or socks now, as well as with floaty dresses in the coming months. The gold hardware really makes these a stand out pair.

(Click image to enlarge)

Images from Urban Outfitters.com , Shopbop.com, and Anthropologie.com

There Are Places In The World Where People Do Not Dream

I stumbled across this through Jordan Ferney's blog- Oh Happy Day! She showcased this amazing book, which really makes you remember what life is about. I often put my dreams aside, in order to be realistic, but this book shows us that dreams are meant to be big and grand, and everything you want them to be. Although it's written for children, I think it is a perfect read for adults who need a little inspiration. To read the book, just click here!