Take A Peek Inside My Purse + The Free People AUG 2011 Lookbook + MY NEW OMBRE HAIR!!!

At the current moment, these would be the contents of my purse:

As you can see there's nothing too spiffy going on. I have my M*A*C essentials for retouching my makeup when I'm out and about (I like to keep things natural for the most part), my clutch, which contains my ID, license, cards, etc., for when I want to switch from a big, bulky side-bag to something a bit sleeker; my sunglasses to fight off this blazing Sacramento sunshine and of course my copy of the new Free People "in Venice" August 2011 Lookbook that arrived in the mail for me! I really love the look of 70s inspired separates for this Fall and definitely plan on taking a page (no pun intended) from FP's book for style inspiration this season.

Here were a few of my favorite looks:

I wish I could just walk into my closet and walk back out wearing all of these ensembles! I especially love the maxi dresses and the shaggy coats, both of which I plan to buy and wear many, many more of! You all know that I love my Summer and that I tend to be a summer and springtime girl, but I have to say that FP's August Look book has me itching for Fall. I seriously can't wait to try some of these layered looks for myself. I also realized that I am in dire need of a really big, really floppy hat! So if you guys have any suggestions as to where I can shop the perfect one, let me know! I'm all ears!

In other news... (Drum roll please...)

I played with my hair!

I know, I know... AGAIN, COCO?! (Or "you're killin' me, girl" as Katie put it! Lol!)

But you guys know me. I get bored easily and I just could not resist the calling of the Ombre. (Plus things have been so hectic as of late that I just felt like I needed some sort of change or overhaul or something.) I've been a little obsessed with the relaxed and messy, laid-back, over-grown hair trend recently, which is not surprisingly still going strong - there's something grungy, but still very glamorous about it. I kept flipping back to Drew Barrymore's take on Ombre (or "Balayage" which is the formal name) hairstyle last year, which I personally think she rocked the heck out of. Other honorable mentions definitely have to go to Hillary Duff, Rachel Bilson, and of course miss Rumi Neely of Fashion Toast, who was actually one of the first people I saw to sport the style.

Its not for everyone, but I really, really love it. I feel free in a strange way. I don't know why. Possibly because the whole idea of it; is to look like you've skipped months and months of salon appointments to let your roots grow in wild and free. That being said, Ombre is pretty much the perfect style for any girl who wants something low-maintenance and its easy to do at home with a highlight/lifting or bleach kit. All you do is paint from the tips of your hair upward in graduation, let it set for a bit, then rinse, and repeat the process until you're happy with the lift/how light it is. There are several great DIYs online if you feel like being adventurous too! Be sure to check out these awesome step-by-step tutorials by Zoella and Brittnee Caan of L'ing the L :}


What do you guys think of Ombre hair? Think its still hot or just a hot mess?

xoxo Coco

Bye, Bye, Boyfriend. It's Time That I Be On My Way...

Currently Listening to:
"Bye Bye Boyfriend" by Fefe Dobson

(Watercolor Graphic Print Dress by B R A N D, Layered Chain necklace from Forever 21, Black Tuxedo Blazer by Necessary Objects, Plum Velvet "Dany" T-strap Platforms by Jessica Simpson - not seen - and gifted Black Faux Snake Skin Clutch)

Like many, I hate to admit that I watch the occasional reality show, let alone enjoy them. I have to be honest though and say that one of my absolute favorite shows is TLC's What Not To Wear in which stylists Clinton Kelly and Stacy London ambush unsuspecting fashion victims, fly them to New York, berate them for their fashion sense (or lack thereof) and then pick apart their wardrobe before they send them off into the overwhelming jungle of department stores and designer labels to build a brand new one; one piece at a time.

After a shopping struggle and then a breakthrough with the help of Clinton and Stacy, they send their victims to much sought-after editorial, runway, and celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson for a luscious new 'do, cut and color included, and commercial and editorial makeup artist, cosmetics line Sally Hansen Natural Beauty co-creator, and The 5 Minute Face author Carmindy to learn first-hand how to enhance their already natural beauty - whether they know they've got it or not! While I'm not sure What Not To Wear is actually considered "reality TV" it is much realer than most other shows out there; and I just love seeing how great people feel about themselves at the end in the big reveal!

Now on the other hand, I don't really WATCH Keeping Up With The Kardashians, but I am a fan of the Kardashian style. I happen to think Kim and Khloe K. are two of the most beautiful women in Hollywood and even though they seem to land a spot on What Were They Thinking on a weekly basis, I LOVE that they always remain true to themselves and that they refuse to dress down their curves! They embrace their bootiful, bodacious bods and they're very inspiring in that aspect.

So when I got an invitation to my friend Matt's wedding scheduled for later this month, not only was I excited that my "older brother from another mother" was finally tying the knot; I was stoked to get to dress up! What's more, when I found out my ex was going to be there, I thought what every girl thinks in a similar situation: "I have to look hot!" And as a bargainista, I descended upon Ross with that exact goal in mind. Being a curvy girl I decided to take a page from the Kardashian style book and try out for myself, Clinton and Stacy's never-failing formula for dressing for success:

Color

+ Pattern

+ Texture

+ Shine

+ Completer Piece

OUTFIT

...and I couldn't be more happy with the results!

I feel amazing in this watercolor-esque graphic dress. It hugs my curves perfectly and supports and CONTAINS the girls (Betty and Veronica) with a deep sweetheart bodice, complete with boning. The side-ruching detail not only creates a great silhouette, but it also enhances my waist in the best possible way. Normally, I'm not one for patterns and even my mom doubted it when I pulled the garment from the racks, but I couldn't ignore this little number when I first saw it peeking through the crowded hangers of otherwise disappointing and underwhelming cotton summer dresses and club-style cocktail-wear.

Now, while you can't see them, I paired the dress with my Plum Velvet Dany Platforms by Jessica Simpson, which matched the purple in the dress spot-on and since they're velvet; they added the texture I needed. In addition, the Tuxedo Blazer added even more texture to contrast the sheen of the dress. Finally, I was able to incorporate a little shine with some accessories: a necklace of layered chains and a faux snakeskin clutch! And voila! An outfit that would make even Clinton and Stacy proud! (And that Kim and Khloe might even sport down the red carpet ;D)

So... What do you guys think of my outfit? Think I'll make my ex jealous? Hehe

xoxo Coco

Photoshoot with Danny Fung!

Currently listening to:

"Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae

I had a photoshoot a little while ago with a local, up and coming photographer named Danny Fung.

Danny specializes in very beautiful, journalistic lifestyle and portraiture and he just resonates this great, positive energy on set. I had so much fun shooting with him! We explored downtown Sacramento for a couple of hours and took to little side streets and charming Victorians for the backdrop. These are just a few of my personal favorites from the photoshoot, but I'll definitely be posting more for you guys soon! Be sure to check out more of his work at his Official Website: Danny Fung Photography

In other news: I've been feeling a lot better lately. I have a new health care plan soon to kick in, thanks to the help of my Congresswoman, who has really done a lot where no one else could or would regarding medical assistance. I'm really, very grateful to her, and I can't wait to have access to the help that I need. In the meantime, I'm just trying to stay positive. Of course, you guys have also been a huge support for me and I just appreciate the well wishes and the sweet e-mails!

Also! Don't forget to send in your photos of your favorite Summer outfits for the Summer Special I'm working on. I've gotten a couple really great submissions so far, so keep them coming if you'd like to be featured here on MTB! Make sure you include your name and the url of your blog! Send to: cocol@muffintopbaby.com

Also, be on the look-out for a new outfit post in the next day or so!

xoxo Coco