Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Subtle Flare from the Jungle...

A fun trend that has been spicing up any dull outfit, has been adding a touch of cheetah to your wardrobe...



Simple cheetah patterns (think neutral cheetah patterns not colored cheetah patterns... can you say, Hello Snooki!?) paired with bold accessories & a solid color accent, allow the look to appear daring, yet polished...


When pairing your cheetah print with the rest of your outfit, keep the color tones simple in order to avoid a sense of tacky...


Unsure of the trend?  Start small, for instance, a great pair of cheetah heels!  Play with the color palette of the cheetah print over the rest of your outfit & you cannot go wrong...


Ready for something a little more cheeky?  Try a fearless cheetah print blouse!  Again, keep the rest of the outfit simple- yet play around with different fabrics...


I am not a huge fan of matching accessories, but for some reason, this look works!? I think it is because the handbag is not entirely one large cheetah pint, but rather just the fold down that is cheetah inspired.  Play around with different cheetah accessories- you'll know when too much, is too much...


If you feel confident enough, pair with a solid print, bold trouser short & bright heels.  The cheetah scarf in this style, almost tones down the overall look of this outfit...


Much like on the streets are we finding jungle themed attire, but also within the home...


I am finding that more & more elegant spaces within homes, are using zebra print rugs to add a touch of dynamism to a space you would not normally expect it in...


This styled room is my ultimate favorite! Exposed beams, touches of feminine & masculine features, & a rustic glass coffee table centered upon a distressed zebra print rug... I adore...

Monday, July 25, 2011

A Periwinkle Summer...

I apologize for the lack of blogging lately- I have been fully immersed in the beautiful summer that we are having here in mn!  It has been absolutely gorgeous here...


with a beautiful & crisp sunset every night...


surrounded by shades of periwinkle...


& spent with good company...


Although I love everything about summer, the last half of summer is my favorite! Everything is in full bloom, lush, & the summer nights turn to a comfortable palette of periwinkle...


A color I would love to incorporate within my own home...



Simple-Sweeet-Sophisticated...


I hope you all are having a wonderful summer with good friends & family!  There will be some exciting stuff coming up for CheekyChic, including fun new guest posts!  Stay tuned...

Monday, July 18, 2011

Top 10 Summer Products I Could Not Live Without...

Confession:  I am a product junky! I love trying new products & when I find a new favorite, I become obsessed.  One question I often get asked is, "What products would I recommend?" & I have so many different ones that I prefer in different occasions, but these are my favorite every day products...

1. Dry Shampoo
Hellllooo... it's summer! Who likes to even wash-dry-style their hair every day, much less in the sticky summer time?! I swear I have tried every dry shampoo out there & they all leave a gray residue throughout the day. BUT, then I found SG Invisible Dry Shampoo & I love it!  Target carries the brand & is definitely worth the couple dollar splurge...



2. Thickening Foam
So those morning that you decide you should wash-dry-style, be sure to use Aveda's Phomollient thickening foam.  One pump leaves my hair feeling thick & full of body...


3.  Volumizing Spray
Ok- you get it, I love products, especially any that will give my hair extra body during the heat of summer, but use Aveda's Volumizing Tonic along with Aveda's Phomollient & you will love the results. Forever I have used Bumble & Bumble thickening spray & don't get me wrong, I still love it, but the 2 Aveda products work heavenly together...



4. Toners
With the summer heat comes the summer shine... avoid it with a toner rub before applying your make up.  Again, I am pretty loyal to my Aveda products, but when a friend introduced me to Clinique's version, I cannot look back!  It is so great & the funny part is, it is apart of Clinique's 'Acne Line' of face products & even if you do not have acne, it is the perfect amount of drying out your pores without feeling flaky...


5. Oil Free Moisturizer
Are you getting the hint?  Summer leaves me oily & with limp hair.  But don't worry, I have literally tried everything to combat the heat & I think now, I have successfully found the products that work in those areas. Since a young age, I've been told to moisturize moisturize moisturize to avoid wrinkles & finding the perfect moisturizer has not been easy!  When I was in Nordstrom's, I was introduced to Kiehl's oil-free moisturizer & it is the one moisturizer that I have ever used that gives my face the nutrition it needs without weighing it down.  And for that price, I will keep moisturizing moisturizing moisturizing...


6. Tinted Moisturizer with SPF
The importance of wearing an SPF at all times has really sunken in with me over the past couple years.  I already adore tinted moisturizers, so if you're going to give me a SPF in it as well, then it's sold.  Also, those summer mornings that you wake up & want to hit the lake or go run errands, rub a dab of this across your face & minimally covers flaws without the pounds of foundation.  I tried Clinique & it left me feeling like an oil-slick & then I was given samples at my favorite med spa & fell in heavenly bliss with Revision Intellishade SPF 45 MATTE...


7. Revitalizing Weekly Mask
I have found it to be crucial to renew your face weekly with a mask that you can trust.  I will admit, when I first came across this brand, Eminence, I thought, "oh another woman who thought she could just mix a bunch a crap together & call it a homemade mask, slap a label on it & sell it overpriced" but then I talked to my esthetician about it & she swears by it!  It is a new product line WITHOUT ANY water added! Which is how I justified the price, because look at any facial product you have, & look at ingredients & water will be the first thing which often accumulates for 70% of the product (waste of $).  I am obsessed with this mask, I use it weekly to renew, I use it after I am in the sun all day, this is truly  a dream product...


8. Primer
All-over make up primer is of the essence when applying make up during the summer (& frankly, for me, year round).  Save money by using MAC's version.  Apply a pea size conservatively across your face & literally watch your make-up stay put from morning to night...

 9. Lip Stain/Gloss/Tint
These last 2 products are truly my beauty secrets & I swear by them.  If you're looking for the perfect summer color, I swear to you, you will diiiie over Jane Iredale Just Kissed.  I'm not sure if it's a gloss, or a lipstick, or a stain or what, I just know it works! It holds the color fabulously & honest to God looks different on everyone.  Splurge on this product & you will not go wrong!  They are hard to come by (in fact, I just bought 3 when I was able to find a spa that carried them) but this is the perfect summer color on anyone...



10.  Bronzer
Summer's saving grace!  These are my 2 favorite bronzers, I use them both simultaneously (overload- duh I know, but I love them both equally).  They are the perfect level of bronze, Estee Lauder & NARS, buy them. now.



I hope this helps you save a little $ while perusing the product department.  Now you know a couple of my favorites, I am dying to hear yours so I can build my collection!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

One Woman's Garbage is Another Woman's Treasure...

My addiction for shabby chic interior is never ending! I am always coming across new diy projects for this particular style & the features are easy to imitate, yet still make uniquely yours...



Another reason why I adore this interior decorating trend is because over time it has evolved into a cleaner look (crisp white with distressed accent features)...


Personally, I have styled my own bedroom with the shabby chic trend & I love the casual & comfortable feel that I get from it...


The idea behind Shabby Chic is to mix old features with new features by making weathered items look elegant...


If the thought of decorating an entire room 'Shabby Chic' seems too much for you, start small with a piece of furniture.  Often times I have perused Craigslist & have found beautiful wood furniture being sold for ridiculously cheap because there are gauges or scrapes from use over time... jackpot! Those are the pieces you want! Sand them down (hello! I am far from handy- in fact I don't even own sand paper! I used steel wool that I had found & it worked perfectly to strip the finish off).  From here, use a Crackle Paint or use a regular paint color of your choice & re-distress with the steel wool once your paint dries...


Once you feel comfortable with, try a work space!  A distressed desk looks sophisticated & charming... 


Here are some of my favorite Shabby Chic accessories to dress up any space...

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Royally Chic Style Icon...

If you're like me, you've been patiently anticipating Kate's fashion debut since the Royal Wedding...



While on her tour with the Prince, Kate single handedly stole the show with her polished & classic style...


As the newlyweds traveled from destination to destination, I think everyone was waiting to see what Kate would wear next!


As each day passed, I could not believe how chic & beautiful she looked!  Kate has a timeless style that is simple & elegant...


I will admit, at some point I was assuming that the next  outfit she comes out in will be awful, & it turned into, well ok.. the next.. ok.. the next one.. ok, maybe not at all?


Is it possible for a powerful female figure to be 100% spot on, with every single style choice, while touring the world?  Kate definitely set the standards high...


I did get a little nervous before she made her premiere in LA.. so many stylists & fashion bloggers wanted to see her really come out of her 'Simple' shell & dress more for LA.  I was wowed by Kate's decision to stay true to her own style, classic & chic, refined & charming.. with a touch of LA glow... fabulous!


What styles were your favorite of Kate's?

Monday, July 11, 2011

Wedding Style: Lead by Personality...

Over the 4th of July weekend, my best friend got engaged!  I adore her fiance just as much as I adore her & I could not be happier for the both of them!  They're both just very classic & simple people & I would imagine their wedding would reflect those beautiful traits...



Like any best friends- we've talked about her desire for her bridesmaids dresses to reflect their own personality traits (i.e.. nothing alike)...


... & I would imagine her dress would do the same!  I picture her in something very unique-unlike the cookie cutter bridal gown...


One of her favorite colors is orange & going along with the both of their personalities, I would imagine they would draw inspiration from ideas like these...


Regardless of what they decide on, they are fabulous people with huge hearts & timeless humor...


Congrats J & S!! Love you both so much!!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Happy Friday...

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!  Hopefully it is a little more low key for you compared to last weekend.  Regardless, enjoy & relax!!


Much Love, K

Thursday, July 7, 2011

What I'm Loving Right Now...

It has been awhile since I have done a post on What I Am Loving Right Now & here is a special mid-summer edition of Top 10 with Miss Cheeky Chic...

1. Serenity of Summer
I am loving the simplicity & serenity that comes with summer.  I find it so easy to escape busy life during summer days by sneaking off to a place where I can relax without a care in the world. I love summer...

2. Authentic Native Jewelry
While I was on vacation this last week, I spent some time in the Rocky Mountains & I found a fabulous boutique with authentic native jewelry in it. I had my heart set on this gorgeous turquoise cuff & I promised a price point I would hold myself to... unfortunately the cuff price not only surpassed my budget, but surpassed it by 3x! Beautiful, nonetheless...


3. Sorbet Colored Shorts
I love the bright colors that come with the summer season! Bright colored shorts bring light to a dull outfit & can easily dress a day look to night by adding heels...


4. Peachy Pout
A fun twist on summer lip color- peach! Perfect mixed with bronzed skin & beach hair- wear in a lip stain, gloss or matte lipstick... you cannot go wrong!


5. Geode Jewelry
A trend I am loving is crystal stoned jewelry. Perfect for dramatic cocktail rings or statement necklaces, adding a nice touch to your summer wardrobe...


6. Bite Sized Snacks
You guys already know my obsession with chocolate & I love new fun recipes & I came across this one & it seemed too easy not to share!  Simply use pretzel squares/circles, a chocolate kiss, & peanut butter m&m's!! Keep chilled & serve cool...


7. Cuffed Sandals
This style is perfectly casual & a fun twist on the summer sandal.  Cute paired with shorts & even looks great with leggings too...


8. Michael Kors Matte Ebony Watch
Omg... How simple & Chic is this!?! 


9.  Michael Kors All-In-One wristlet
Again, Kors has me drooling over his pretty little accessories!  This is perfect for on the go & running errands! I cannot tell you how many times I've dropped my iphone because I am carrying my keys, phone & wallet- all stacked in 1 hand while running errands.  This is perfect...



10. Louis Vuitton Speedy Gets a Shoulder Strap!!
So happy to see that the smaller speedy's have finally gotten a shoulder strap! When I got my first Speedy 25, that was the first thing I thought about... why is there no shoulder strap option on this cute little handbag?! Perfect for the chic girl on the go... 


Don't forget...


Much love,  K