{style} simplicity

Madewell lace top (old), Levi's denim (old, similar), Zara pumps, Kelci Dagger tote, Grey Ant sunnies

{baked} Soni Bakes Paleo Granola

This shoot was so much fun for me.  Backstory - my friend Michelle's background in science + passion for healthy living led her to explore the Paleo diet.  While doing so, she made a batch of granola that was insanely good + addicting to all of us that she gave it to.  Grain-free granola... coconut flakes... toasted almonds... my stomach is growling as I lay in bed + type this.  

She's so passionate about this that she started baking it in her kitchen + started her own business, Soni Bakes, within a month.  I like to refer to her as my little "granola dealer".  Anyway, after one of these batches came out of the oven, she let me shoot some photos and I have to say, it's a whole 'nother level of satisfaction to do something that you love for someone you love.  Seeing the excitement on her face when we got the photo + supporting the process was simply magical.

photos: Robin West

{style} badass

It started with the pants and a simple t-shirt...

Zara blazer, coated jeans & shoes (old), Kelsi Dagger 'Bensonhurst' Tote, Large (purchased at Westfield UTC)

Photos: Courtney

{beauty} a few of my favorite things

Here's some background on my skin - in my earlier twenties, I rarely moisturized, I went to bed with makeup on [usually after a night of drinking & possibly smoking, ew], and rarely put SPF on other then the beach.

Oh, how times change.  I look at women like Julianne Moore, Cindy Crawford and Jennifer Anniston, who seem mostly fresh faced and not over botox'd [the horror] and want to do whatever they are doing. Ms. Anniston recently revealed that one of her secrets is Vaseline on her eyes before sleeping [you better believe I tried that immediately].

What this all comes down to is trying to be nicer to my skin now, before it's too late, and trying some simple ingredients.  I just put Josie Maran Argan Oil in my rotation, and within 3 days, "Robin, you look so refreshed!", even after just returning from work travel on minimal sleep. Using that at night, and focusing on some simple NARSskin & some Benefit highlighting in the right places is the easiest fresh face I've gotten in a long time.  And I personally think my face is looking better then ever.

Josie Maran Argan Oil, Benefit Eye Bright, Benefit Benetint, NARSskin Optimal Brightening Concentrate, elf mascara [best mascara EVER], Dr. Jart Renewalist BB Cream, StriVectin-SD Eye Cream

Photo: Robin West

{side by side} Giovanna

left, right

{outtake}

Accidents + unexpected moments can sometimes be the most exciting.  Like over-exposed photos, summer rain, smiles from strangers, receiving compliments + support when not asked.... must I go on?

[taken during Kate Spade's Spring 2014 look book shoot]

Photo: Robin West