A Casual "Down" Day

I think it's ironic that in production we refer to a day off as a "down day". When my day off comes, (as it did today) I'm as "up" as up can be! A day just for me to do whatever I choose! ( In this case, catching up on a novel half read, sifting through magazines, and even power cleaning my carpets). Down Day? Bliss Day!

 

 It's warm enough for a skirt but I'm taking the flat, practical boots for the errands that are to come...

I have loads of older jewelry from Israel, and when a really old, vintage piece falls apart I re-string it into something new. This morning I re-set these antique beads on a silver chain. Result? Perfect, semi-choker. And do you love this lipstick and shadow combo as much as I do? It's all part of my upcoming makeup review for Rouge Bunny Rouge. Tune in tomorrow to get the skinny on this fabulous, emerging brand.

 

Skirt: Target, Boots: Dolce Vita, Shirt: BP Collection

Now I'm off to grab groceries and bake a cake for my honey, (I found a great sounding recipe on my dear friend's blog here). So I'll be testing it out this afternoon while enjoying the sun streaming through my windows.

Whatever you're doing, I hope it's a fine, "up" day you're having!

With love,

Noa B

Dressing up Harem Pants

I think I've always loved harem pants. I received my first pair as a hand-me-down from my older sister around my 11th birthday, and I remember dressing up the blue, Bedouin bottom with a gypsy style scarf and bangles.

We've come a long way from harems and palazzos being considered for lounging only. I instantly loved this pair from Piper, made in pleather. The fabric choice makes for an unexpected twist and stays on trend with the current leather mania.

Layering is key for the change in weather, but I also love mixing textures. Silk, knitwear, sequins, amd faux leather can all be friends. 

Blouse: Vince, Top: Vintage, Heels: Marc Fisher, Pants: Piper, Jacket: Zara, Purse: Sandro

How will you mix yours?

With Love,

Noa B

Python and a Puppy!

Hi Friends,

I've gone back to the grind of the set this week, but I took a half day earlier to replenish my kits and my soul. This usually involves scouting some new line of skincare or makeup that I simply have to test out, (and which  incidentally I'll be sharing with you very soon).

Are we loving this new, red lip? Because if so, keep tuning in to learn about the gorgeous, international line it comes from. I'll have reviews as well as how-to's coming your way in the next couple of weeks.

For me, a "Day Off" means dressing in all the stuff I can't wear to shoots. (Open toed heels, open backed shirts)..

 

Jeans: Boutique, Tee: F21, Heels: Jeffrey Campbell, Earrings: Gift, Puppy: C/O Joanne W.

Oh yeah, and a delicious puppy that has a crush on my cat, my husband, and my apartment! Joanne, I'll be stealing this little ball of love soon!

With Love,

Noa B

Chaplin Style Pants

This past weekend I exercised ultimate discipline when I cleaned out my Santa Barbara closet from top to bottom. But one of the items I just couldn't part with were what I jokingly refer to as "my Charlie Chaplin Pants".

They're actually vintage Italian baggies, but the crotch is so low-cut that wearing them reminds me of the "beloved Tramp". Nothing could be cozier with night and cold weather descending.

And still nothing beats a fabulous, wool chapeau for sheer fun and warm dressing. This latest find was a boutique gem I picked up downtown. 

Pants: Vintage Italian, Booties: NYLA, Top: Zara, Necklace: H&M, Hat: Boutique

Although I'm restoring my closet with the assets gained by selling off last season's cast-offs, these pants might be here to stay. Check back soon for a little update on the best way to re-work your fall, closet clean-out!

With Love,

Noa B

Black. White. Camo

Heading to dinner and needing something to throw over my billowy dress, I opted for a satin tuxedo jacket and some camo-colored heels.

After a long day of filming the easiest thing to do with my hair and big, bad roots is to throw a headband over it. Done and done.

  It's about layering this week, and I layered the bracelet cuffs left and right.

 

The camo shoes are my nod to army green for night. 

Dress: Winter Kate, Jacket: Top Shop, Bracelets & Necklace: JewelMint, Heels: Donald J Pliner, Purse: Paul and Joe Sister

 You can be Boho and still rock a blazer. Nothing negates the one from the other.

With Love,

Noa B

Learning to Layer: Shirts on Shirts

Fall having arrived in earnest, layering is all the rage. If you've got a button-down shirt, throw a vest or additional top right over it. So roll up your sleeves... and then roll again.

 

Today's choice of layers was easy, since this chambray shirts is softer and thinner than your average, cotton twill. I rolled the sleeves just below the line of my top. (And then I kicked up my heels)!

 I've been on the prowl for a large, structured bag, but in the meantime this Oxblood, vintage number is a really good fall fill-in. (Did I mention I once designed handbags in a previous career)...?

 A little shoe reveal: it's not a bootie, It's a boot. (From ages ago), but this grey color is hitting hard for fall so It's coming out of retirement!

Shirt: Vintage, Chambray: Trimming, Jeans: Hauteur MYNK , Boots: MIA, Bag: Cole Haan Vintage, Beret: H&M

With Love,

Noa B

Skincare Giveaway!

Hey Ladies,

How many times have you wanted to just ditch your foundation and go "Makeup Free"? Well, Today's giveaway could bring you one step closer to that goal!

I'm talking about Philosophy, a brand I was introduced to some years ago. As a working makeup artist I've loved and retained in my arsenal, their Hope in a Jar, their cleansing wipes, and their new, gorgeous BB Cream, (see my review of it here). But today I'm offering my readers a chance to really experience the brand first hand!

Seen above, an amazing way to rejuvenate your skin and give it wallop of loving care as the weather begins to get a little colder and a little more chapped. This is the Makeup Optional Skin Package, which includes Purity Made Simple face wash, Hope in a Jar moisturizer, Hope Firming Serum, Hope in tube eye and lip creme, a peel, and a microdelivery wash! An amazing, $125 value, but it can be yours for the taking!

Here's all you have to do!

1: Become a follower of Sunsetand5th via GFC or Bloglovin, (if you already are, let me know)!

2: Comment back here with your email address and why you'd like to try this amazing bevy of products. (If you already have a favorite, let me know)!

3: For a second entry, tweet this contest and let me know in an additional comment line.

4: For a 3rd entry, Instagram the contest and let me know.

5: For a 4th entry, facebook this contest and comment back!

Entries are open worldwide.
Contest ends 10/31/13

Bonne Chance!

With Love,

Noa B

Leather On Tap

We've been inundated with leather, pleather, and "vegan" leather since fall began. I'm thankful to have purchased several of my leather and leatherette pieces off season. They may have sat around in my closet over the summer, but I'm reaping the rewards of pre-sales now.

 I found this crop top both in black and white during one of those "epic" half yearly sales at LF back in May. I love the mod-esque discs cut from pleather on mesh, and I've been waiting for the right moment to wear it out. I'm so glad now that I bought it in two colors. Who knew that the crop top shapes I wore in junior high would be making such a staggering comeback...?

This skirt is a beautiful, vintage leather piece I picked up at a favorite re-saler's. As a vegetarian I don't often buy leather outright, but when it's vintage and therefore recycled I don't feel uncomfortable about purchasing it. It's a classic cut and fit, (right above the knees, slit back for movement, and fully lined). Truly an excellent find!

If like me and you're beginning to re-embrace crop tops and sheers, you can find similar styles online. Here are a few I like. Below, available at Forever21, this perforated mesh top, $15 here.

Or these cropped numbers from Asos, for $67, here, and $21, here.

And although my heels are sold out at ShoeMint, you can find their twin in black as Asos on sale for $67! Check out the London Rebel Gillie, here. 

Skirt: Vintage, Sak's, Necklace: JewelMint, Heels: ShoeMint, Top: LF, Scarf: Vintage, Mondi

With Love,

Noa B

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