Ask the PFMs: How to Fight Cold Season

It's that season, and I'm not just talking about the holidays. Every winter it seems unavoidable that we all get a common cold or flu, especially when stress comes into the picture. I tried my best to stay strong but something's had me feeling under the weather for the past few days. The good news is that I've been digging into my trusty stash of healthy remedies to boost my immune system and recover quickly. I've been asked to share my tips for those days when you are feeling run-down with flu or cold symptoms, so here's my routine. Please remember, I'm not a doctor! xoxo Becca

1. Sainsbury's Vitamin C Tablets are amazing, but too bad I can't seem to be able to find them for sale in the United States! One a day in a tall glass of water is all you need. My brother brought them back from a trip to England and now I'm hooked, but this version by NOW Foods is my alternative.

2. It's an Owl Mug. Better to make it a cute one because you'll be sipping hot tea out of this every morning. Try brewing something soothing like raw ginger root tea with a splash of fresh lemon juice (here's the teabag version) or just drink plain warm water to stay hydrated and keep things moving in your system. 

3-4. Be sure to avoid sugary and processed foods and get a super healthy dose of energy by mixing Green Vibrance into your morning green smoothie. We have recipes here and here. Fresh foods (veggies and whole grains) will go a long way in making your recovery a fast one. 

5. The Sinus Rinse Kit is something that I've grown to like (not love.) It feels pretty weird at first, but the results will have you coming back for more. Hint- you will be able to breathe through your nose again without taking antibiotics.

6. You know that I'm the soup queen, so there's really no reason for me to need an excuse to have soup for lunch and dinner...but being sick is a darn good one. I have a simple homemade soup twice a day like this one. And when I'm feeling up to it, I give this recipe a go.

7. Get more sleep and stay warm. I rest as much as possible with a pair of socks like these to keep me cozy.

8. The only thing more frustrating than feeling under the weather is having breakout prone skin on top it. That's usually the case with me...if I'm not feeling well, my skin bears the brunt of it. LUSH Cosmetic Warrior Face Mask contains a mix of garlic and tea tree oil which are powerful antiseptics and disinfectants. I love it- my face feels fresh, clear and moisturized thanks to the natural ingredients like honey, eggs, and grapes. If you're worried about the smell, don't be. It's pretty odorless.

9-10. Choose high quality vitamins and supplements. My multi-vitamin of choice is MegaFood, recommended by Kris Carr. It can be taken anytime, with or without food. Plus, I make sure to have zinc on hand at the first sign of sickness.

PFM Obsession: Wild Warmth

Rebecca Taylor Leo Block Layer Sweater, Smythe Leopard Print Sweater Jacket, eBay Vintage Spotted Sweater, Anthropologie Traced Leopard Boatneck, Madewell Wildprint Pullover, Free People Tiger Stripe Cardigan, Mink Pink Cool Cat Oversize Sweater, Whistles Cheetah Print Knitted Sweater, Madewell Pebble Cardigan

Sweater weather has got me seeing spots (and tiger stripes.) Recently I'm charmed by anything animal print, and with so many sweater styles and materials to choose from I decided to put together a roundup that's as much for my benefit as it is for yours! 

Feeling extra sassy? The rich red and black cheetah print may be calling your name. If you are into more of a vintage vibe, try your luck on eBay...there are plenty of fierce animal print sweaters for auction that are still going strong like the cream one above from the '80s. Although pricey, I can't help but love the second option by Smythe. Not only is it a sweater-jacket combo (endlessly versatile and cozy) but it has a classic vintage-inspired look that you will never get sick of. Leave it to Anthropologie for a swingy cashmere pullover with just a hint of bold print at the short-sleeves. The final cardi from Madewell is my fave...it's a wild yet neutral print that I could pair with most anything already in my closet. Full disclosure: no animals were harmed in the making of this post. 

Happy Monday everyone...let me know if you are warming up (pun intended) to the animal print trend, or maybe you already own a special number that's just been waiting for cooler weather to be taken out? xoxo Becca

PFM Obsession: Jemima Kirke

I followed the entire first season of HBO's Girls and was struck by Jessa's sharp wit and free-spirited attitude...but as each episode flew by I found myself completely swooning over her vintage-chic wardrobe. I love finding out that in real-life, Jemima Kirke's personal style inspired her bohemian character's look. 

 Her signature style revolves around mermaid hairdos, drapey kimonos, floral prints, felt hats, bold peep-toes, and matte lips...with a bit of velvet, feathers, and leather mixed in. I did a little research and was thrilled to realize that Jessa's outfits are actually a combination of vintage pieces and Jemima's own wardrobe. This girl blends effortless, eclectic, and feminine into one charming package...and her lovely British accent is perfection. It can't hurt that Jemima's mom owns a vintage store in NYC called Geminola...ooh I feel a major shopping trip coming up! 

Costume designer Jenn Rogien and creator Lena Dunham take the outfit reins for all four girls on the show and I admire that they stay true to the situation surrounding each character. I'm really looking forward next season to see more of Jessa's inspiring looks. You might have heard the rumor that this series is dubbed the new Sex & the City...but the fashion is definitely much more attainable. We are talking Zara, H&M, J.Crew, Anthro, and the Brooklyn Flea...not Manolo Blahnik, Dior, Lanvin, and Ralph Lauren. 

Check out Jemima's website...in addition to being an actor, a mother (and my latest style icon!) she is also an artist who creates beautiful paintings. If you are obsessing along with me, here are some pieces to get you started on re-creating her look for the fall season. xoxo Becca

1. Glistened Fedora, 2. H&M Biker Jacket, 3. Zippered Feather Earrings, 4. The Edge of Girly Top, 5. Ilia Beauty Lipstick in Wild Child, 6. As a Matter of Flat in Leopard, 7. Devaki Maxi Dress, 8. H&M Patterned Pants, 9. Scandi Top Knot, 10. Ombre Aztec Playsuit, 11. Floral Print Kimono, 12. Moonlight Lagoon Open Toe Heels

Daily Outfit: Summer of Savers

At the beginning of the season, Sesheta hustled over to a favorite local thrift store...Savers! While searching the racks for some fabulous wardrobe staples, she found a pair of palazzo pants that clearly had my name all over them. What more could you ask for from a friend?
I've literally worn them countless times since; these pants are super comfortable with a versatile pattern that lets me mix and match to create many different outfit combinations. Today's look...neutral with pops of pink.

It's the summer of Savers!  xoxo Becca

(Pearl Pendant Necklace- MavenFresh, Lauren Conrad Pants- Savers similar, Tank similar & Jacket similar- Anthropologie, Lips- Ilia Beauty in Neon Angel, Sam Edelman Sandals- Bloomingdale's, La Mer Neon Watch-similar )

Daily Outfit: Rockin Raspberry Sorbet

I love that H&M has a (small) selection of band tees. But when I don't find what I'm looking for in my size, eBay is a fantastic back up. So I embraced the July heat and went with a Popsicle-inpsired color palette of raspberry sorbet all the while humming aloud Sheena is a Punk Rocker. Feather and chain earrings seemed like the natural choice to build on this girly but edgy look...and somehow it manages to be very office-appropriate too.  xoxo Becca

(Feather Wisp Earrings in Milky Peach- MavenFresh, H&M Ramones Tee- eBay, Addison Story Skirt- Anthropologie {last seen here}, Boyfriend Blazer- Urban Outfitters, Beaded Bracelets- Anthropologie, Sandals- Aldo)

Daily Outfit: Hothouse Weakness

Being the avid Anthropologie shopper that I am, certain products just seem to stick with me. I'm talking years after they are no longer available. I have a weakness for their colorful bedding...specifically several versions of a cotton quilt named Hothouse that I mulled over endlessly, but never actually made it home with one. They were vibrant and colorful with a patchwork mix of bold flowers and tiled prints...totally swoon-worthy. Now here I am looking over these photos taken last week on a hot day near a brightly colored flowerbed; I'm dressed in a tomato red/peony pink ensemble with diamond-print shorts and flower in hair...makes sense that the Hothouse collection immediately comes to mind. Ooh I can't help but think that I missed the boat on those Anthro quilts. Nah, there's always a next time.

(Thai Rosette Headband- MavenFresh, Shorts- Anthropologie, Bop Basics Tee- Shopbop, Boyfriend Blazer- Urban Outfitters, Cat Eye Risky Sunglasses- Urban Outfitters, Sandals- Sam Edelman, Bauble Bracelet- Metal Monk, Watch- Marc Jacobs) 

Daily Outfit: Sparkly Self

Stepping on the heels of my last post...I just had to dress myself in sequins to match the upbeat sparkly mood I've been in lately. Sparkles in the daytime? Yes...do it...it's fun! I love to mix up a girly piece like this drapey sequin top with a pair of boyfriend jeans for contrast. The oxford flats are perfect for running around and as a bonus they bring a pop of bright color into the outfit. Add a blazer for the office and then transition this look easily into evening with a pair of pumps or some seriously high heeled sandals. Happy Monday everyone! xoxo Becca

(Flash Cluster Earrings- MavenFresh, Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans- eBay, Twinkle & Gleam Pullover- Anthropologie, Fuschia Oxfords- Gap, Watch- Marc Jacobs, Cocktail Ring- The Indigo Pearl)

Mani Pedi: 50 Shades of Color

This mani-pedi combo may be a little much for some ladies, but I'm always up for trying something new. A recent collaborator with the Sally Hansen line is Avril Lavigne...let me just say, she's done good! I love her Purr-fect Harmony leopard print in gradual shades of the rainbow. They have a rock 'n roll vibe while still being bright and colorful. As usual, the nail stickers lasted almost two weeks. Your manicure doesn't always have to match your pedicure...in fact, I'm a firm believer that they should not be exactly the same. My toes were a happy accident...a day after getting them done, I stubbed my big toe and the polish chipped right off. What's a girl to do? Just grab your favorite bottle of glitter polish and paint both big toes! There just happened to be flecks of soft plum in the glitter that picked up the Essie pedicure color perfectly.


 My inner goddess was purrrrring over this mani-pedi. Just kidding (kind of.)


(Mani- Sally Hansen Salon Effects Purr-Fect Harmony, Pedi- OPI Nicole in Rainbow in the S-Kylie & Essie Play Date , Skirt-Anthropologie, Sandals- Matt Bernson)

PFMs Do It Better: How to Create a Gallery Wall

We've been in our house for over a year, and between work and the holidays and life in general I feel we're finally settling into our sweet little abode. In the past I've shared my exterior paint job, how-to make your flat screen tv more attractive, and my lust for some seaside art, but the main floor has overall been a work-in-progress. I fell in love with the 1920's bungalow style of our beach house and its arched doorways, vaulted ceilings, and wraparound front porch. I had tons of inspiration around me to make this place our own. We decided to it was about time to liven up our blank living room wall and give it a personal touch...can we say gallery wall?

You need: 

a hammer

painter's tape

tissue paper (or newspaper)

tape measure, (level; optional)

picture hanging hooks, nails, screws, etc

 First- collect, collect, collect. Think about framing a favorite postcard, fabric swatch, or a record album to create an impact. I saved a wallpaper remnant that sadly never made it onto an accent wall...but it did make it into our gallery arrangement! A couple of works by our artist friends make this collection even more special to us.

mirror | bracket | sconce | bust | giant buttons | shelves | plate

Go beyond the frame. Add some depth, texture, and dimension!

That rhino bust...yep, I went there.

Play around with placement. To do this, lay the tissue paper on top of your pieces and cut carefully. Use painter's tape to try them on the wall in different arrangements...you won't end up with a wall full of holes before committing. A general guideline (not a must) is to hang pictures at 57" on center from the floor. This is "gallery height" and roughly the average human eye level. We loosely used the 57" line to dictate the center of this gallery-style grouping (meaning, the row with the Ferris Wheel is at this line so we can still hang more pieces below/above and it will work out oh-so-well.)

image via bitohoney

image via bitohoney

There is right or wrong way to do it. Uniqueness is built on imperfection! Still... creating a stylish arrangement can be intimidating, so here are some suggestions: 

~find an inspiring arrangement via the net or a magazine and make it work for you

 ~keep a few inches between all pieces for consistency

 ~make sure you hang dimensional pieces higher if you are curating a wall near heavy foot traffic

~when in doubt, just hang your most loved piece in the center of the wall and work your way out 

~vary the frame style for a diverse eclectic vibe

~unify the frame style for an updated contemporary vibe

~consider transforming an inexpensive frame with paint or tape

Leave room for the unexpected. I love the concept of an ever-changing and growing gallery wall. I've started small, but will be adding new pieces as I get them, eventually stretching this into a salon-style installation from chair rail up to ceiling!

(Clockwise from top left to right: Mirror-West Elm, Painting- gift from Anthony Santamaria, Savannah Story Bust- Anthropologie, Typography Art Print- Ashley G, Coney Island Ferris Wheel Print- Minagraphy, Print- gift from Ann Farrell, Salton Sea Print- Leah Giberson, Wallpaper Swatch- Anthropologie)

Have a great weekend and don't forget to enter our giveaway, it ends on Monday night!

Daily Outfit: Girly Boyjeans

  

Is this title considered an oxymoron? It's definitely contradictory, but let me tell you- opposites attract when it comes to fashion. So I paired my slouchy torn boyfriend jeans with gold metallic mary janes and a drapey sweatshirt...that just happened to have a huge bow (of course!) How comfortable, fun, and very much me.

(Jeans- Current Elliott, Top- Forever 21 similar, Moon-Glow Mary Jane Pumps- Anthropologie, Pink Neon Watch- Shopbop, Glass Ring and Gold Bracelet- Vintage, Lips- Makeup Forever #37, Twigs & Berries Earrings- MavenFresh)

PFM Obsession: Mother's Day, Francophile Style

It's a Mother's Day roundup full of gift ideas to add a bit of French Flair to your loved one's life. Mais oui! This was inspired by my favorite Francophile, my grandma Mimi; I've spent many holidays and birthdays looking for the perfect Parisian gift to give her. She has built up quite the collection by now. It's been a difficult week, I had to say goodbye to Mimi as she is going to live in a nursing home on the west coast. Difficult is an understatement. Mimi has lived close by to me my entire life, and we've never gone more than two weeks without seeing each other. I can't even begin to express how much I will miss her. But I'm lucky enough to have so many memories that will stay with me forever. Love-Love Mimi, and Happy (early) Mother's Day...this post is for you!

1. It's the Trench. Essential for chic Parisian style...an investment piece that will stay with her forever. I love this classic from French Connection.

2. I always throw in a quirky fun gift- this fits the criteria. Mimi loves to sketch and draw, so I think it's a must-have for that aspiring artist!

3. Ooooh a feminine chic French pink-lilac nail color. Can't go wrong.

4. All of these candles have French dessert scents...drool. Coconut macaroons are Mimi's fave! The jars are replicas of vintage Parisian pottery, and so charming that I personally want a few.

5. Mimi said she's going to miss the cats she had at home, so when I came across this shirt I knew it was meant to be. A vintage-style baseball tee with a playful image, labeled Noir- French for black.

6. Etsy has a huge selection of gifts for the Francophile. It was hard to choose between all the jewelry, clothing, and goodies for the home. But this sweet simple pillow would be the perfect touch to send some love to Mimi in her new digs.

7. Joeseph Altuzarra's Parisian inspired collection for J.Crew is now available! These cherry espadrilles are tres chic.

8. Splurge on a set of dinner plates for your hostess with the mostest! These Eiffel Tower Dinner Plates are vibrant, whimsical, and dishwasher safe...woohoo! Another pick from my favorite store- Anthropologie.

P.S. When in doubt, just turn to Chocolat. Not talking about the sweet treats, but (hint hint) who doesn't want to watch Johnny Depp in France?! Mimi and I have watched this movie together a bunch of times and it just keeps getting better. xoxo

Daily Outfit: Love & Lace

Who likes to celebrate love? Well don't all shout at once. I do, I do! I wore this lacy little number to the 40th wedding anniversary party of a very special couple. I feel blessed to be surrounded by family who want to share their happiness with those they love...I also aspire to enjoy at least 40 years of amazing memories and wedded bliss! Haha...3 years under my belt and savoring every minute of it. Speaking of belts (such a smooth segue) I knew this dress needed a little something at the waist. It couldn't have worked out better, not only was this skinny bow belt already in my closet, but I love the combo of purple and teal. Bows, lace, and nude patent leather make for a fun Saturday night in the springtime.

(Fast Anna Lace Dress- French Connection similar, Belt- Anthropologie similar, Pumps- Madden Girl, Lorca Handbag in Taupe- Hayden Harnett, Nails- here, Cocktail Ring- Banana Republic)