Ava Grace's Closet: May 2013
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Thursday, May 30, 2013

Be LOVE and a Giveaway

I love to share inspiring stories on the blog and Be Love's is no exception.
The love story the co-founders share is the stuff that dreams are made of. seriously, read it here.
And together, they have realized their dream to help the community and pursue their joint passion.
It doesn't get better than that.

From Be Love's website:
The seeds of Be Love Apparel were sown when we were expecting our first baby. The creative vibrations were flowing & the vision came in strong. We realized that our passion was to serve in our community and that we could support amazing projects that transform the lives of youth through the creation of beautiful art and fashion. We decided to create a clothing brand called Be Love and through it raise funds and awareness for these projects. We began making this vision a reality with a $1,500 gift from KamGi’s Mum and went to work designing beautiful original graphic art that communicates inspiring messages of Love and Truth. Be Love was born.
Ava wears:
Peace Warrior T - c/o Be Love 
skinnies - Joe Fresh
sandals - Salt Water

Izzy wears:
World Peace through Inner Peace tank - c/o Be Love
necklace - Forever XXI {also loving this and this}
shorts - American Eagle

The team at Be Love has graciously offered up a giveaway of a t-shirt or tank of YOUR choice! Leave me a comment below letting me know which one you might choose if you won.
Good luck!




Wednesday, May 29, 2013

What I Wore : White Out

You know how the perfect outfit can speak to you? 
That is what all white does for me.
Always fresh. Always a classic.  
mesh detail drawstring top - Joe FRESH
bracelet - c/o Henri Lou Jewelry 

wristlet - Coach {loving this one too}
pants - Joe FRESH
shoes - Naughty Monkey
This look makes me think of warm nights, good friends, and fresh food on the grill.
Kicked off shoes, rolled up linen pants and toes dipped in the pool. 

Enter the Henri Lou Jewelry giveaway here to win a signature Henri bracelet just like the one I'm wearing above! 
Happy Wednesday.

Linking up here and here.


Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Summer Hair Care

My hair is both a blessing and a curse. 
It is extremely thick, unruly and there is far too much of it.
In summer, especially on humid days, I can be known to look like what my daughter fondly refers to as a "puff ball".
Yes, she inherited the hair. 
Cue my favorite products. All used to tame the mane.



Summer Hair Care

1. Hana professional straightening iron. 
I received this iron from the team at Misikko and am smitten. I have always used a professional grade straightener and this one is superb. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it heats up and how equally fast I was able to straighten my hair. No need to go over the same spot over and over. Find it here
I won't get into how adorable the packaging from their team is. Each sale goes out that way in an effort to make each customer feel special. 
Kinda loving that. 
Also loving that it comes with both a heat pad and  protective pouch. 

2. Ice cream beauty hair mask.
I love me a good hair mask. It is a must for my hair which is color-treated and quite dry. This one smells like a dream and has an amazing consistency. 
I have used both the banana and the tutti frutti. Love.
Very reasonably priced for a brand that is made in Italy and available at Shoppers Drug Mart.

3. Oscar Blandi dry shampoo.
 Truth be told, I can go a week 3-4 days without washing my hair and it actually looks better. When and if I need a little pick me up, particularly at the roots, I reach for this product. It leaves no powder residue and definitely allows you to go an extra day. 
So great for busy mama's. 
Available here in a variety of sizes including the travel one {for $5!} pictured.

4. Jose Eber triple barrel curling wand.
For long-time readers, you may recall my reviewing this product some time ago. The video review can be found on youtube here
I truly can't say enough about this product. Or how well my oldest can use this thing!
She literally does my entire head in under 10 minutes and the results are salon quality.
Find it here

5. Jose Eber infrared blow dryer. 
I am the girl that stylists pawn off on one another when it comes time to blow dry. Yes, it takes that long. 
I have always used ridiculously pricey blow dryers in an effort to shorten this dry time. This tool is the FIRST that has actually allowed me to do that.
Full review coming in early June. And there may be a giveaway as well. Just maybe. 
Find it here if you just can't wait to try!

6. The "octopus" clip.
The only clips that hold my hair. period. the end.
Find them here

7. Bumble and Bumble surf spray.
Can you tell I love this product based on how many times I have mentioned it on the blog? 
A few sprays and my hair goes from cra.zy to beachy. 
If you have any natural curl {especially the hidden underneath what appears to be fairly straight hair kind} you MUST try this product. It will not disappoint.
Find it here.

8. And, when all else fails and it truly becomes me against the hair? 
I give up and tie it up.
These are my new favorites. 
Finally a hair tie that doesn't break any hair and doesn't hurt.
Amen.
Find them here for you and your littles. 

So, tell me, what is your hair texture like? Is there any can't.live.without products you want to share?
Winner of the Curated By Kelly giveaway is Bekah Goodman Frisk. Congrats girl! I will email you today. 

Friday, May 24, 2013

For the Love of Shoes : ShoeDazzle'd

My love affair with shoes started as far back as I can remember. 
And since that time, they have never let me down.
They take me where I want to go. 
They always make me smile.
And even, when sadly, it is time to part ways? The memories remain and there are no hard feelings.
Now that's love. 

Enter
Complete your own personal style quiz here and get recommendations from their stylists, which may or may not include Rachel Zoe; receive your personal showroom right to your email box within 24 hours.
Your very first pair is 25% off. 
And this Memorial Day weekend, each additional pair is 20% off...not to mention their sale section (which is crazy good!) all at an additional 30% off.
Did you get all that? Whew

Here are just a few impossible to narrow down favorites:

ShoeDazzle Heels


ShoeDazzle Sandals


ShoeDazzle Wedge

What's your favorite go-to style in the summertime?
I'm equally partial to each.
The love affair continues.

Disclosure: Thank you to ShoeDazzle for sponsoring today's post. As always, all opinions are strictly my own. 

Thursday, May 23, 2013

From the Vault : Pasta Con Arugula

If you only try one new thing - try this.
Not unlike a warm pasta salad, this is served at room temperature since once the hot pasta combines with the uncooked ingredients, it instantly cools. 
It really is refreshing and light. 
Perfect for summertime.

Pasta Con Arugula 
Ingredients:
500 grams of orrechiette {a short hollow pasta is also good!}
5-6 plum tomatoes
4-5 cloves of finely chopped garlic
300 grams of baby arugula {regular arugula is fine}
250 grams of roughly chopped/largely grated pecorino cheese 
Good quality olive oil

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine chopped tomatoes, garlic and baby arugula. {if using regular arugula, wash well and chop roughly}
Cook pasta according to instructions and drain.
Add cooked pasta to vegetable mixture and cover well with olive oil. 
Add pecorino cheese {note: any strong italian cheese can be used including crotonese which is what I used in these photos} and stir gently.
Sprinkly with parmigiano cheese and serve immediately.
This one dish meal is both flavorful and healthy. 
Seriously amazing.
I truly hope you give it a go and that you enjoy it as much as I do.
Buon Appetito!

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

What I Wore : Henri Lou Jewelry

This may be the easiest outfit I own that is not a dress.
Bonus points for looking equally great with flats or a higher heel.
And even prettier when paired with celebrity coveted jewels.
Jumpsuit - Max Studio via TJ Maxx {similar here}
Earrings - local boutique
Bracelet and Ring - c/o Henri Lou Jewelry {find them here and here}
Shoes - Nine West {old, loving these}
All of Henri Lou's stunning jewelry and handbags are handcrafted in Los Angeles with only the finest materials. Owner Reagan is as sweet as she is creative.
No wonder Ms. Roberts can't get enough. 
Available at fine retailers including Fred Segal and Neiman Marcus.


The team at Henri Lou has graciously offered up a signature Henri bracelet to one of my readers.
Good Luck!


Linking up here and here.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Summer Beauty Must-Haves

I am all about trying new beauty products but typically, always end up going back to my tried and true favorites.
Lately though, I have had the opportunity to try so many amazing new products; many of which I  have added to my rotation full-time. Namely this which was sent to me by an amazing reader and now friend.  

Summer Beauty Must-Haves

1. The Clarisonic Mia. I cannot tell you how long I have wanted this. In fact, my girlfriend got so tired of hearing me say it, she decided she would get it for me. Truth be told I've been trying to win one on other blogs forever! 
Well, the wait is over and it was worth it. I am loving this tool. Well worth the money.
Thank you again bestie. xo
Available at Sephor for $139.

2. My new favorite. I will never be without this. I have tried botox and while the results were great; it is just too costly and too time consuming for me to ever maintain. I have used this cream religiously since I received it and in just over a week, I swore I saw a difference. It does contain a lot of plant extracts and while I'm normally very sensitive, this caused no reaction at all. Other than to firm and tighten. 
Amen to that. 
It is available in Canada at Shoppers Drug Mart and retails for $36. 

3. Now, this product line is only available in the U.S. as far as I know. It retails for (are you ready for this?) $1. Yes, one dollar.
I love me some eyebrow gel and may or may not have bought a small luggage full. I kid. Sort of.
I have also tried a few of their glosses and am quite enjoying them.
Available at Target and Walmart. 

4. My very favorite BB cream bar none. Although I truly love Boscia's, this one is equally good and via ebay; less than half the price. A huge win in my book.
It is a Korean brand (the original makers of BB cream I believe) and literally takes less than a minute to apply. 
My skin has never looked better. Natural, nice coverage. 
If you only try one BB cream EVER, let this be the one.
The link to their site is here but as mentioned, check out ebay first. 

5. My mother.in.law turned me on this amazing self-tanner. As an extremely loyal Clarins user, I was hesitant. 
Again, this one is a third of the price at $15 and gave great results with no offensive odor. 
Available at Bath and Body Works exclusively. 
On a side note, the same scent/line makes a really impressive shampoo and conditioner. 
Give it a go!

6. Eden Allure Argan Oil. 
I received this (retails for $18) along with a couple of their natural soaps to try and must say, crazy good! I have used moroccan oil in my hair for some time but never knew that it is actually better for the skin than for your hair. Read more about it here
I can tell you that I had a couple of awful self-inflicted scratched on my lower leg that are completely healed since using. And that, for this terrible shaver, I have yet to try anything as soothing.  
Use code "FIRST TIME" for 15% off any purchase.
Available at Eden Allure

7. Bumble and Bumble surf-spray has been a long-time favorite of mine. I use it strictly in the summer and love the texture it gives my hair. 
Why mess with a good thing?
Available at Sephora. 

8. I received this cheek palette from a dear friend in Texas at the perfect time. I was completely out of both of my favorite powder blushes (both by MAC in case you're wondering!) so when this arrived, it was such a welcome and happy surprise. 
I find when I buy a "kit" I always have a favorite and likewise, dislike at least one.
Not the case here ladies, not the case at all. 
EVERY color is perfection. 
This used to be available at Sephora but I don't believe they carry the Tarina Tarantino line anymore. 
I found it here

9. Nars lip gloss.
Another long-time favorite and one that I just haven't found an equally good replacement for.
This is Ms. Kardashian's favorite shade and I see why. 
It is called Turkish Delight and is perfect layered on top of lipstick. (Kim uses MAC Angel and for dark haired gals, nothing's prettier)
Available via NARS website, Holt Renfrew and Sephora.

Have you entered the Curated by Kelly giveaway?
Open to the U.S. and Canada. 
$50 in jewels up for grabs.

Please note, this is NOT a sponsored posts. I am sharing products I truly enjoy and as always, all opinions are strictly my own. 

Friday, May 17, 2013

Friday Fancies : Striped

There are few things in life that I love more than stripes. 
Maybe gingham.
Just maybe. 
Striped
Details:
Balmain striped blazer - here (option)
Dorothy Perkins t-shirt - here
Current/Elliot boyfriend jeans - here (option)
J Crew necklace (exact - sold out) (also loving this and this)
Rick Owens wallet - here
Michael Kors iphone case -
here 

I am changing things up a little bit.
And although I would still love you to visit and follow along on polyvore; I will be including outfit details below collages alongside {ahem} less expensive options when necessary. Which is often since somehow, this girl always ends up using crazy expensive items like the Balmain blazer above.
Swoon.

The shoes, which need to find their way into my closet, are from my personal showroom via 
Shoedazzle. I have been looking for just the right white and these may just be them.
You can take your own personal style quiz here {and find out what Rachel Zoe thinks YOU should be wearing). 


Enter the Curated by Kelly jewelry giveaway here for your chance at a $50 credit! 
Winner of the Chicnova Giveaway is Despina Vnt. Congrats! I will email you today. 
Happy Weekend. 
 photo b3c55105-2875-4109-8016-a3e51c326004_zps36373d36.jpg
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by ShoeDazzle. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

What Ava Wore : Messy Buns and Dandelions

Someone, and we won't name names, is full on terrified of bugs lately.
Ants particularly, but she doesn't like flies much either.
It has been tough to even get her outside.
I'm hoping this is just a phase?
anyone?anyone?

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

What I Wore : Curated by Kelly

I've decided that this summer, if it ever get's here, I'm going do wear more dresses.
I find I'm always saving them for an occasion that may never happen.
No more, I say. 
No more. 
maxi dress - Emma and Michele {loving this one also}
necklace - c/o Curated by Kelly
jean jacket - H and M
shoes - Marciano
clutch - Marciano
How pretty are the ombre pearls above? 
I'm wearing the Mila necklace in green by Curated by Kelly. Not only is her shop full of pretty things but she is just the sweetest gal ever.
Here are just a few of the other pieces I am loving:


Kelly is offering readers a $50 credit to her shop! 
Open to Canada and the U.S. 
Good luck.


Linking up here and here.
And for Monday Mingle here.