Hot Pink Lipstick, Free Bagels and Night Swimming (aka. Rebecca's weekly love list)

Photo: The Blond Salad

Things I'm currently obsessed with...

*Rocking hot pink lipstick

*Art Journaling

*Sorting, organizing, and packing for my upcoming move…I’d forgotten just how satisfying de-cluttering can be!

*Checking out an art exhibit at the Irvine Contemporary Gallery last weekend

*Listening to Kimberly Wilson’s Tranquility Du Jour podcast on my drive to work.

*Personalizing my day planner (I wrote out/collaged my ideal schedule and added favorite quotes in the front to keep me feeling inspired).

*Munching on free bagels (like the ones waiting for me when I got to work this morning).

*Watching Real Housewives of NYC re-runs on the elliptical (the best season BY FAR).

*Late night swimming in my pool.

*Reading the second book of The Hunger Games series (SO GOOD).

*Celebrating my 6 month anniversary with my adorable beau :)

*Signing up for an introductory web design course this fall, yay for career advancement!

*Instagramming my life (I’m beyond obsessed…)

What made your week fabulous?

An art journal love affair...

I have fallen madly, deeply, and passionately in love. With art journaling. Ever since I attended a Workshop at Tranquil Space led by Kimberly Wilson last weekend, I've been a cutting, pasting, and glitter gluing madwoman. And it's awesome. I don't yet feel ready to display my personal art journal here, so I've instead showcased pages that make my heart go pitter-pat. The first 3 photos above are from the talented Kelley Brown of Artjournaling and the last is from an unknown source. Enjoy...

Wrist Candy...

Wrist Candy... by Rebecca Rubin featuring gold tone jewelry

Chan luu jewelry
$295 - zappos.com

Mulberry deer jewelry
$230 - mulberry.com

Toy Watch blue jewelry
£170 - flannelsfashion.com

Alexander McQueen gold tone jewelry
£160 - matchesfashion.com

Leighelena beading jewelry
$105 - endless.com

Gorjana wrap jewelry
$55 - charmandchain.com

Betsey Johnson hinged bangle
$40 - betseyjohnson.com

Stopping to smell (and photograph!) the roses

My beau surprised me with a lovely bouquet of pink and red flowers at work last Friday, so naturally I pulled out my camera :)

A Blake Lively Love Affair...

A Blake Lively Love Affair... by Rebecca Rubin on Polyvore.com

'Love' Compilation CD (Nordstrom Exclusive) Love Compilation One Size
$9.90 - nordstrom.com

Flirty Summer Heels and Balloons on the Metro (aka my weekly lovelist)!

A few little things that made me smile this week...

* Devouring my fav glossy mags while getting a pedicure.


* Colleagues wearing fun & flirty summer heels to the office


* Balloons on the Metro


* Savoring my morning coffee in my new adorable & inspirational mug. Blessings ARE everywhere!


* Animal printed side tables like THIS ONE at The W Hotel



And, of course, Instagram, for making my life look so artsy!

Add a splash of summer to your wardrobe!

Photo: Pinterest

Why not...

* Tie a bright patterned scarf to a neutral leather handbag

* Add a flower to your ponytail or clip one behind your ear

* Wear sparkly nail polish

* Find a tropical and summery screen saver

* Apply fruity lip balm (I'm currently loving Fresh Lime by H & M)

* Carry a cute eco-friendly water bottle (garnished with a slice of lemon or lime) at all times to stay hydrated

What are your favorite ways to stay cute in the heat?

Creative Play with Instagram!

Looking for a delicious new way to waste (*ahem* spend) time? Download my new favorite iPhone app, Instagram! Instagram is not only incredibly easy to use, it allows you to add different colored filters to your photos, making them look all artsy fartsy and fabulous! Here are a few "Instagramed" pics I've snapped recently...


View from the top of The W Hotel in DC


Bouquets of Roses at Whole Foods


The sunshine on my curly hair in the morning.

If you have an iPhone, get this app. It's so fun!

Ooh la la Carla!

Italian heiress, controversial supermodel, muse to numerous American rock legends, First Lady of France, global women's rights activist, acclaimed singer and songwriter, and soon to be mom, it's safe to say Carla Bruni has worn her fair share of (very cute!) hats over the years. I first became enamored with Carla after hearing her hit song, Quelqu'un m'a dit in the soundtrack of the movie, 500 Days of Summer, and have been a huge fan or her music--and wardrobe--ever since! Affectionately known as a modern day French Jackie-O, she possesses a certain 'je ne sais quoi' when it comes to personal style. Check out a few of my favorite looks (and why the work so well!) below.


By adding a funky patterned shawl to a simple evening gown and an interesting neckline or splash of Fuchsia to an otherwise basic coat, Carla puts a fresh spin on classic pieces.


This oh so polished ensemble exemplifies what I like to call "classy sexy". While her form fitting suit flatters every curve, the longer hemline, ballet flats and conservative tote ensure she looks polished and work appropriate.


By balancing out a loose flowing blouse with more tailored jeans, well chosen classic accessories and an elegant upswept bun, Carla appears casual with out looking messy.

From coats to cocktail attire, chic tailored suits to flowing blouses and jeans, Carla Bruni exudes style by blending classic feminine pieces with unexpected twists. Can't wait to see what the First Lady fashionista wears next!

Do your dance

Just came across the following inspirational quote on one of my favorite blogs, Re-Psych, and felt compelled to share:

"Don’t be daunted. Just do your job. Continue to show up for your piece of it, whatever that might be. If your job is to dance, do your dance. If the divine, cockeyed genius assigned to your case decides to let some sort of wonderment be glimpsed, for just one moment through your efforts, then ‘Ole!’ And if not, do your dance anyhow. And ‘Ole!’ to you, nonetheless. I believe this and I feel that we must teach it. ‘Ole!’ to you, nonetheless, just for having the sheer human love and stubbornness to keep showing up."
~ Elizabeth Gilbert

What a great pre-week reminder to continue to strive to do our best in whatever we undertake, regardless of external recognition we may or may not be receiving at the present moment. 'Ole!" to each and every one of you for giving life your best shot! Have a wonderful week :)

Sun, Sand, and Sleep...(aka why I've been such an absentee blogger this past week!)

I've gotten some much needed R & R this week while vacationing on beautiful island of Martha's Vineyard with my boyfriend and family. Not yet home but have been missing blogging so much that I've decided to post a few pics while I'm still here :)


Beautiful view from the ferry boat en route to the Vineyard


The cliffs at Aquinnah beach


MV foot-ware: Boat shoes and leather sandals of course!


Absolutely delicious "Thanksgiving" sandwich from The Waterside Market in Vineyard Haven


Rainy Day Boutique...one of my favorite shops on the island, always full of unexpected treasures!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!
xoxo