{style} St. Maarten travel essentials

There are few things I love on this planet more than gold accents. So when I came across Mr. Kate's BeautyMarks [yes, they are temporary tattoos, in gold, that shimmer magnificently on your skin in the sun] I had to get them for my trip. Yes, I am quite older than I was since the last temporary tattoo application, but I will tell you, it was just like riding a bike again and our excitement to done them never faded. 

I also made sure to load up my polaroid camera with some amazing gold film that I purchased from Impossible Project that I kept for a truly special occasion.

[insert "I love goooold" reference here]

Kate Spade Gayla sunnies, Urban Outfitters hat [old, similar here + here], Dooney & Bourke Saddle Bag [similar color], Impossible Project gold film, Mr. Kate BeaurtyMarks [GET THEM NOW, TRUST]

photo: Robin West

{weekend inspiration} as the sun goes down

If you follow me over on Instagram [and if you aren't, why the hell not!], you saw that I was loving life down in St. Maarten for a much overdue getaway with friends last weekend.  I will share more of the trip later this week, but I think this moment while watching the sunset in Grand Case on my first night was definitely one of my favorites.

photo: Robin West

{beauty} hooked on Deborah Lippmann

When you find things that add something to your life, fit a need or just makes you happy, I always find it wise to allow yourself to indulge in that thing(s).  Now, I may indulge a bit 'too' much with certain things, but, I digress. 

My big addiction right now is Deborah Lipmmann nail polish. I never used to care about doing my nails - I would slab it on and wipe off access paint on my skin in the shower the next morning. When I actually took the time to do my nails it was obviously much more adult looking so I decided to change my ways. When I looked into Deborah's products and read up on her tips [like NEVER cut your cuticles], I started pampering myself once a week and can't stop. Between using her cuticle remover, cuticle oil, base + top coat, and her perfect colors, I've never gotten more compliments on my hands [keep them coming, honestly].

My favorite "go-to" red that has a smidge of an orange hue to perfectly match my skin is It's Raining Men [I should have mentioned the names are brilliant, too]. I also just went out of my comfort zone for my long weekend in St. Maarten [photos to come] and chose this perfect pale Blue Orchid which seemed like the perfect travel companion. When in Rome...

photo: Robin West