Managing Eczema

I have a (not so secret) confession to make: I have been dealing with dry, itchy, bumpy skin otherwise known as eczema. I've struggled with problematic skin for years, but it has gotten to the point where I'm actually embarrassed to show my arms sometimes due to the red scaly patches underneath my elbows. I even went to my doctor because the irritation was getting to the point where I was scratching so severely. I was breaking the skin, not exactly an attractive look. He prescribed me a cream that definitely has helped, and told me to stop clawing at myself because it just makes the problem worse. Okay doc, easy for you to say! I know it's a vicious cycle. The itch causes the scratching, but the scratching just makes the itching more intense.

Anyway, aside from the topical medicated cream, I have been using two products in conjunction that have soothed a great deal, and the eczema isn't nearly as bothersome as it was just a few weeks ago. If any of you suffer from eczema (which apparently is pretty common) or if you just have sensitive dry skin, read on!

 Loccitane almond shower oil...I have used different body washes in hopes of treating my eczema, but the one I find to be the most effective is this. The lather is minimal, and I don't feel it strips my skin of moisture. It's gentle enough to use every day.

 Skinfix soothing lotion...This is tremendous and if you have any form of dryness then you need to try it! I got mine at Target, but you can also find Skinfix products at Ulta and CVS. In doing some research on eczema, I found out that colloidal oatmeal is the main ingredient that helps alleviate the irritation, and I can feel the difference as soon as I put this on my body.


Here are some more tips for eczema-prone skin:

1. Don't take long hot showers. It promotes dryness. Instead try taking short, luke-warm showers.

2. As soon as bathing is done, pat your skin dry (don't rub) and immediately slather on lotion while skin is still damp. It provides a moisture barrier.

3. Apply lotion a couple times per day.

4. An epsom salt bath can also provide some relief if the itching is especially bad.

5. See your doctor or dermatologist if symptoms persist.

And now I sound like a brochure, so I am done here. I hope this helps! I'm worried my skin will freak out again once the weather really changes, because my skin always gets insanely dry in Winter. I'll update you if anything changes in my routine.

Do you suffer from dry skin or eczema? I'd love to hear your experience! Any other tips are greatly appreciated.

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Fall Series: Part 1 - Maximize Your Wardrobe

I am so excited to bring you a new three part series with nine of my fellow bloggers and friends. Over the next three weeks, I will be showing you my take on Fall clothing, must-haves, and trends. Everyone of course will have their own thoughts on their respective blogs, so be sure to stop by to do some comparisons! Keep in mind that I live in southern California, and we really don't experience much of your traditional Fall weather. It does cool down some especially at night, but there isn't a need for coats, boots, or heavy jackets on most days. My portion of the series will reflect that, but I do think anyone can heed some of my suggestions. I hope you enjoy!




Today I'm showing you how to maximize a key piece that I think was a huge trend this Summer. It definitely works for Fall too, and I think anyone can benefit from having one in their wardrobe. If you don't own one yet, put it on your list!

The Utility Vest:

Summer:
Here is how I chose to style my olive utility vest in Summer. Although layering is completely impractical during the hot months, I was able to incorporate it on top of a girly white dress. I remained cool, but the extra addition revved up the fashion factor and created a more interesting look. It took a frilly frock in a different direction. I wore my vest a ton as a topper to my favorite little dresses, as well as with tees and denim shorts.


For Fall:
It's super easy to make this key piece work in cooler weather. I plan on wearing mine with dark denim and classic accessories to keep the look sleek and polished for Fall. You can mix it up with practically anything already hanging in your closet. You could even layer it over a long sleeve dress, booties, and tights. Take your pick! This staple is fool-proof, which is why I think the transition works from Summer into Fall.

An InLinkz Link-up

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Attention to Details

Wearing//

BP peplum top, super similar for less

Topshop jeans, love these & these

Marc Fisher pumps on sale

Leopard clutch, similar

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry rings & cuff

Stella & Dot covet necklace & jolie necklace

Just a few random notes and thoughts today ladies!

1) To my fellow bloggers, laugh while your photographer is taking your pictures. It makes for a much more relaxing experience. And the whole thing really is funny, especially if you live in the suburbs. Passerby can't figure out what the hell you're doing. And sometimes I can't either.

2) It's been ridiculously hot. I know it's Fall somewhere, but definitely not where I live. It's been over 100 degrees, and although I'm a beach/Summer girl at heart, even this heatwave is too much to bear when it's almost October.

3) I am absolutely LOVING every single piece of jewelry I am wearing in this outfit. Emerald and black is one of my favorite combinations, as I think it looks so regal. Elizabeth knows how to do it right. I also love my layered Stella & Dot necklaces, especially my diamond initial. I haven't taken it off, not even to sleep or shower. Not sure if that's the best idea, but it's so delicate that I barely notice it's around my neck.

4) Pumpkin spice lattes are overrated. I had one the other day and nearly spit it up. I just don't understand the obsession. I'll stick to my sparkling water.

5) Speaking of sparkling water, my sister-in-law thinks there is legit crack in Perrier and La Croix. She may be right, because since discovering them (and yes I'm late to the show), I cannot be without one firmly grasped in my hand. It says it's all natural. Can I get a La Croix sponsorship? Cuz I'd prefer that deal over anything right now. Contact me if interested La Croix PR. Let's make this happen.

6) I'm really into styling my outfits paying close attention to the details. I'm more and more drawn to very simple clothing, and then adding interest with accessories. It's the easiest way to update your wardrobe without spending a fortune each season, and it truly shows your own personal style in a way that is unique to you. You may have the same pieces that I do, or the next person, but how you wear them creates a decidedly personal touch. Nobody can wear something exactly the way you do!

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Three Years Married

Last Wednesday marked my three year wedding anniversary. Whenever I think about it, I can't help but go back to the days leading up to our ceremony and how nervous I was. I remember feeling sick to my stomach, all tied in knots,  and I wanted to call the whole thing off and elope. Or do it in a courthouse with nobody watching. Or maybe fly to Mars where I'm assuming you don't need a marriage license. I was never one of those little girls that dreamed about her wedding day. I wanted a family of course, but I never really gave much thought into what that would entail. When you grow up seeing your parents arguing non-stop, it doesn't exactly give you the warm and fuzzies that marriage can actually work. So while most girls imagined a fairy tale, all I really wanted was just a companion and a friend. I wanted security, and I don't mean monetarily. I wanted someone to share my thoughts and feelings without judgement. Someone to laugh at my stupid jokes, someone who understood that I'm timid and I always need a push to try new things.

We have been together for over ten years now and I don't remember much about love before him. I can't even fathom what dating would be like today. I'm pretty sure I would just give up and get a house full of dogs, maybe a pet pig. I think reality t.v. has ruined relationships. People seem to care more about looks than actually having a partner you could grow old with, someone who won't run if you get hit by a car and end up in a wheelchair. This is going to sound over the top but stay with me here... I like my husband because I know he will be there for me when I'm old, senile, can hardly walk, and need him to wipe my ass for me. I would do the same for him. Now that's love.

So it isn't always pretty. We fight and get angry and bored with each other like all couples inevitably do. But he's my friend, and we chose each other to ride through this messy life. I wouldn't have it any other way...that's the truly romantic part about marriage and monogamy, the part that Hollywood often forgets to tell you in movies. The truth? With all of our shortcomings as human beings, with all of our flaws, we still choose each other every single day.

Wearing //

Kate Spade licorice pumps, exact & similar for less

Loeffler Randall bag, similar for less

Kendra Scott bracelet

Lush dress, great option

I would also be remiss if I didn't mention Carylee in this post because she was the one that convinced me to buy my very first pair of Kate Spade Licorice pumps at a steal! Thank you for being a part of my anniversary Caryl! The shoes were a hit, and I felt like I did leave a little sparkle wherever I went that evening :)

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