Morning

"Let each morn be better than its eve and each morrow richer than its yesterday."

-Baha'u'llah

Like a Robin

This top reflected my feelings for the day- exuberant like the cheery song of a Robin yet firmly industrious. A woman ready to take on anything that came her way.

Cupcakes & Candy Nails- Coming Soon!

I have always been a fiend for sweets and desserts. My grandmother would meet me at the school gates and we would walk round to the sweet shop together with my pennies in hand. Kent has many traditional English sweet shops that are so inviting it would be hard to leave if it wasn't for the promise of a delicious pink fluffy mushroom candy hitting your taste buds. Hundreds of glass filled jars cover the shops from corner to corner like decorative wallpaper.

I have yet to find a sweet shop in Los Angeles that will transport me back to these mouth-watering childhood memories. Until then I would like to share how cupcakes and candy inspire my nail choices.

Stay tuned for upcoming designs!

Playing Hostess

Last night I hosted a Baha'i celebration-Day of the Covenant. Baha'u'llah the Prophet founder of the Baha'i Faith made a Covenant with the Baha'i community by appointing His eldest son, 'Abdu'l-Baha as his successor. The Day of the Covenant is a celebration to commemorate this decision.

Whether it's a religious celebration, intimate dinner party or a coffee evening with friends, as the hostess the pressure to entertain your guests while looking the part is prevalent.

Make a game plan and stick to it. I knew after greeting all of my guests I wanted to present a small program to explain the Day of the Covenant and have a selection of prayers for people to read from. As well as organizing this ahead of time I made a checklist to guide me with all my preparations.

If you have kids make it a family affair. My kids are too young to select the writings themselves but old enough to join in an arts and crafts activity. I had them decorate the selected writings, giving each piece a personal touch.

I know you want to look great but now is not the time to be showcasing your new Louboutins. Pick a small heel so you can easily walk around serving hot tea without feeling like you're practicing for the circus trapeze act. Pick a loose fitting dress for easy movement. Most importantly remember to smile, it's ok if an extra person shows up and you run out of seating-it's a celebration! Get guests to mingle with each other and enjoy the evening.

                Laundry dress, H&M leggings and Ann Taylor shoes

Holiday Pictures

These are just some of the pictures I took for the holidays; I hope you enjoy them.

I would love to hear how you spent your Thanksgiving.

                                    Thanksgiving, Persian style!

                                                        Zara Dress

                          Target purple tights and Enzo Angiolini heels

                               Flats were a popular choice at Friendsgiving

Friendsgiving

Last night I attended a dinner and devotional, hosted by a friend in honor of Thanksgiving. We naturally gravitate to family functions on Thanksgiving and forget about our dearest friends. This made Friendsgiving the perfect setting to appreciate one another, play some competitive rounds of charades and enjoy great conversation.

Each guest was asked to bring her favorite prayers, quotes and a dish to share. I baked my mums traditional vanilla and coffee cupcakes- a huge hit!

Go ahead and try hosting a Friendsgiving one night and see just how much you enjoy the evening. A good tip is to intentionally keep the guest list private, this way your guests will be in attendance because they genuinely want to be there.

Enjoy the rest of your day!

Wedge Sneakers

                                                   Aldo Wedge Sneakers

I squealed like a little girl when I first set eyes on a pair of wedge sneakers in a magazine. How can one resist the perfect balance of tomboy and all American girl?
I can't help feeling my inner youth bursting free from the hustle and bustle of my hectic days when I slip these on.

Remember to keep it laid back with a loose fitting sweater or an off the shoulder top and some unique pieces of jewelry that speak to the lady in you. I used a glitzy headband and angel wing bracelets that command attention.

Coattails

Fun2Fun for Nordstrom Rack coattails blouse, BCBG Generation Corduroys, BCBG Heels

I tend to stand a tad bit taller when wearing this blouse as the coattails trick me into thinking I'm attending a formal event. The cut is simple yet speaks volumes.

The Magical Playground

It seems as if every weekend I'm carting the kids off to yet another birthday party at a location named after something out of a fairytale. The promise of fun, pizza and birthday cake awaits our arrival. On Saturday we attended the birthday of my little one's close friend so I wanted it to be more meaningful. I had the kids make personalized cards for the Princess of the party. The kids learnt the virtue of thoughtfulness and I got to bond with them over stickers and glitter. The party was every bit as magical as the name promised.

Under The Sea

                                          Necklace by Marks and Spencer

I’m always talking about preparing and making your life easier but realistically there will be days that nothing seems to go the right way. You know exactly what I’m talking about.

  Grab a t-shirt in your favorite color or a simple black and white one always works too. Then top it off with a statement necklace. Whatever your budget, you can find gems to adorn you anywhere from Forever 21 to Nordstrom.  The richness of the varying shades of green in this particular necklace reminds me of fond childhood memories of the seaside. 

Day To Night

                                  Mine for TJ Maxx Dress, BCBG Heels

In general women find it hard to say no. And so on our journey to success our job extends past the typical 9-5 day. One may find herself dividing the day into segments; work, dinner with an old girlfriend, helping the kids with their homework, and then logging back on to complete a report for work.

On days like this, the perfect outfit can make a difference. The simple utilitarian structure of this dress allows me to change its appearance easily with accessories. I used printed flats for day, metallic heels for night and a bag that transforms into a clutch. These are all things that enable my day to run a little more smoothly.

                       Nicole Lee Bag and Michael Kors Canvas Flats

The Night Before

J-Crew Dress, TJ Maxx Belt and Scarf, Marks and Spencer Cardigan

If you're anything like me I start the morning off as a zombie. I could pass for an extra on the hit show The Walking Dead. I always prepare my outfit the night before so that I can buy some more time in the morning. 

It helps to take a step back to see what accents need to be added. I recently found this mannequin model at Home Goods for a fraction of its usual price. You can also use a coat hanger; it will do the same trick.

Now, put that outfit together so tomorrow morning you can enjoy a full cup of tea, read your favorite blog or simply lay in bed for an extra 15 minutes. You already did everything the night before.

Bahai Prayer For America

OThou kind Lord!  This gathering is turning to Thee.  These hearts are radiant with Thy love.  These minds and spirits are exhilarated by the message of Thy glad-tidings.  O God!  Let this American democracy become glorious in spiritual degrees even as it has aspired to material degrees, and render this just government victorious.  Confirm this revered nation to upraise the standard of the oneness of humanity, to promulgate the Most Great Peace, to become thereby most glorious and praiseworthy among all the nations of the world.  O God!  This American nation is worthy of Thy favors and is deserving of Thy mercy.  Make it precious and near to Thee through Thy bounty and bestowal. 

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Business Casual: Denim and Lace

h.i.p. Top, BDG for Urban Outfitters Jeans, Forever 21 Belt and Tahari Shoes

The combination of lace and denim is quickly becoming my new favorite thing. When worn in a light color it provides a refreshing take on Fall attire.

                 Nordstrom Link Bracelet and Anthropologie Earrings

Business Casual Summer Revisited

        H&M Dress, Mossimo by Target Wedges and Dior Sunglasses

It's November and yet the air conditioning is blasting full force in the office. If you are anywhere in the LA area, I'm sure you too are feeling the heat. Last night after diligently watching the weather channel, I dug into the back of my closet where I had shoved my summer clothes away in order to make room for my Fall wardrobe. I purposefully chose this dress to wear Monday morning for the punch of blue that gives one no choice but to wake up and welcome the new week.

Casual Friday

Casual Friday does not mean pull out your sweatpants!
Today is the day you get to showcase your personality. Start with one item of clothing and build the rest of your outfit around it.

Marks & Spencer Cardigan, Forever 21 Shirt, BCBG Generation Jeans, Toms Booties and H&M Belt

Business Casual 11/1/2012

H&M Suit Jacket, H&M top, BCBG Generation Skinny Jeans, Aerosoles wedges

 

                                             Dior Sunglasses

I love the way I felt in this outfit today. The suit jacket added strength to the softness of my top, and I swear I could have run in these heels. Wedges are an absolute necessity for the office!