Category Archives: LIFE + STYLE

BACK TO SCHOOL KERATIN TREATMENT AT BRAMBILA SALON

August 19, 2017

My teenage daughter, Margot, has frizzy, brittle, impossible-to-tame hair. She spends every morning battling with anti-frizz serums and flat irons, only to eventually admit defeat and pull her unruly hair back into a pony tail. Last week, for the first time in her life, I decided to do something about it. After all, every year I shower her with back-to-school clothing and supplies.Why not add silky, swingy, shiny hair to the list?

After researching the best salons in Santa Monica, I surprised Margot with a trip to Brambila Salon — and her life is forever changed (or at least for the next six months). After doing a little research or hair smoothing options, I decided to go with the Keratin Treatment. After seeing the smile on Margot’s face, I am so happy I did!

 

First of all, Brambila Salon is super cute. One of the best kept secrets in Santa Monica, Brambila is located in a beachside bungalow off Ocean Ave., right around the corner from The Fairmont Hotel. Sitting in my chair I had views of palm trees and sand, and lunch delivered next door from Blue Plate Oysterette — not a bad way to spend an hour and a half! Plus Brambila is stocked with all my favorite Oribe products — and even offers delicious coffee and fresh baked goods.

Our stylist, Morgan Yee was amazing. Warm and down-to-earth, Morgan had zero of the attitude that can be found in Beverly Hills or Hollywood salons. She was super approachable and gave us some great tips about how to keep Margot’s hair healthy and how to keep the Keratin lasting longer.

After a quick shampoo and condition, Morgan applied the Keratin formula. To my surprise, there was no bad smell, no scalp irritation, and no discomfort whatsoever. Once Margot’s hair was completely saturated, she was given a blowdry, and then her strands were straightened. And voila — done!

One week later, Margot’s frizzy hair dries smooth, silky, and shiny in under ten minutes. She no longer plays tug-of-war with her hair in the morning, and, most importantly, her smile is brighter because she looks — and feels — beautiful. She still haves her beachy waves, only now they are silky and manageable. This was, in fact, life changing for her. Great way to start the school year! Thank you Brambila Salon!

xx, Natasha

 

Brambila Salon

1327 Ocean Avenue, Suite A

Santa Monica, CA 90401

(310) 458-3770

info@brambilasalon.com

https://www.brambilasalon.com/

Tuesday – Saturday: 9:30am – 6pm

Closed on Sunday & Monday

Modern Masculinity: Men’s Grooming Day 2017

August 18, 2017

For National Men’s Grooming Day, Groomed LA teamed up with Baxter of California to support their #LifeLivedTrue Campaign. Baxter of California, a brand born in LA from its founder’s independent spirit, sought to reimagine its position in men’s grooming through provoking, real stories and cultural observations that connect with evolving trends, preferences, and lifestyles.  The resulting brand campaign, “Life Lived True,” is an honest depiction that grounds the brand in a modern California culture through a lens that is inclusive of all expressions of masculinity—modern masculinity. “Life Lived True is about being honest with yourself, embracing your imperfections, and not being afraid to showcase who you are as you experience life. This campaign aims to show our consumers that we will never be a brand that wants to dictate who they should be or how they should live their lives. Baxter of California wants to be a partner on your journey, empowering you to make your unique mark on the world by living freely and authentically,” notes Baxter of California’s Global General Manager, Yann Joffredo.

The brand teamed up with agency of record Exposure America and photographer Ben Grieme to introduce “Life Lived True” in the city it has called home since 1965—Los Angeles. The series of portraits, accompanied by scenic imagery, shine a light on the diverse subjects, cast from the streets of LA—true to the spirit and culture of this city.  It was important for the brand that this honest, authentic spirit of California culture was captured not only by the subjects’ stories and their environments, but also through their unique styles and grooming habits. The brand enlisted the help of Baxter of California Lead Stylist, Whitney VerMeer, to get the job done.

“I work with a lot of career models, but my favorite projects are the ones where I cast people from Instagram or someone I pass on the street who has an interesting or intriguing look – most don’t have a modeling background in any capacity. There’s something really beautiful about watching a person transform behind camera and see their confidence blossom throughout the process. It was easy to appreciate the fresh approach and styling of this Baxter of California shoot since it’s very much in line with what I do,” Whitney VerMeer, Baxter of California Lead Stylist and NAHA 2017 Men’s Hairstylist of the Year.

xx Jonathan Stinson 

Bradford Watch Company Timeless Timepieces for all occasions

August 17, 2017

If you need a watch and don’t mind driving yourself crazy trying to pick between two elegant styles, then Bradford Watch Company is for you. Coming in at under $150, the two styles The Taylor and The Claypool are simple, chic and timeless timepieces for both men and women. I love the rose gold in both styles and black and brown straps. These are perfect accessories to wear as a bracelet as far as I’m concerned.

Bradford Watch Company is a new company founded on simplicity, excellence and durability. From the women’s collection, the Taylor, not only a quality watch, it’s also a piece that translates into any outfit and setting. It has a serene simplicity that encourages a spirit of style and adventure. The Claypool from the men’s collection is a classic shape with a lot of character. Its brushed steel case styled type, and the oil-tanned leather band truly speaks to the explorer within.

The “Taylor” is a quality made fashion accessory that translates into any outfit and setting. Bradford makes watches with you in mind. Everyone has a story and your wristwatch is a stylish extension of you; a true testament to time well spent. Launched in spring of 2017, this unisex style watch pairs a comfortable oil-tanned genuine leather, quick-release strap with a minimal yet classically designed face, in a 40mm stainless steel case, available in sleek polished steel or elegant rose gold finishes. In tribute to its namesake, each Taylor watch is a beautiful timepiece that offers the perfect balance of elegance and style. 

The “Claypool” watch is no exception. With a clean, classic shape unlike anything else on the market, the Claypool is made to go with you everywhere, and compliment every occasion. Its unique, classic design packs a lot of character, featuring a comfortable, genuine oil-tanned leather quick-release strap for easy customization, Japanese Quartz movement, and a large mineral glass face framed in a 44mm brushed stainless steel case. With 3ATM water resistance, three-year battery life, and a three-year warranty, this rugged timepiece is built to last. Available in clean polished steel or cool rose gold finishes, it is the perfect grab and the perfect companion to a life of adventure.

 

Bradford Watch Company was founded on simplicity, excellence, and durability. We believe that everyone has a story and that your wristwatch is a stylish companion and a true testament to time well spent. We’ve designed our watches with purpose, ensuring every element is crafted with care so that you receive a quality product that lasts. And follow @BradfordWatchCo for their latest adventures.

XOthree For Breastfeeding Awareness Month

August 14, 2017

August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and the perfect time to introduce you to this amazing new brand that is revolutionizing the maternity-wear industry.

XOthree www.xothree.com, is an Australian active wear brand that has just hit the States. This new fitness line for moms is definitely one we are super jazzed about. XOthree has finally found a way to make breastfeeding easier for the active mom – without compromising on style. Nursing bras a huge issue, active or not. And as far as I’m concerned, breastfeeding is active enough, on its own. It’s WORK!

What makes XOthree’s collection stand out is how the designs transcend the traditional idea of maternity wear (dowdy, asexual, blah). With a focus on style and comfort first, XOthree’s clever approach makes the maternity features of each garment virtually invisible.

The designs have reinvented the traditional function of maternity bras and provide easy access for breastfeeding while still giving you the perfect amount of support needed for low to high impact activities.

 A couple of the best sellers below are…

FOXY BRA

$106.95

The Foxy Double Bra – If a woman is “top heavy” the movement can be a little overwhelming while working out or breastfeeding. The Foxy is constructed with a sewn cup and magnetic clasps and an extra layer with zip for support. The wide straps over the shoulder will spread the weight of the breast and it won’t be uncomfortable. https://www.xothree.com/product/foxy-high-impact/

The Foxy bra is essentially a double bra, offering extra support with a two layered design. Developed for high impact activity, this bra is well suited to high intensity workouts.

How it works: The Foxy bra has been designed with a front zipper opening and heavy duty interlocking magnetic clasp closures – all of which can be operated one handed.

The overlaying mesh fabric allows a slight peek to the underlying black and white marble print.

  

TILLY JANE BRA

The Tilly Jane – features a front zipper and shoulder adjusters so that you can choose how much support you require. Easy for breastfeeding your baby! No matter if you increase of decrease in size, Tilly Jane bra ensures to grow with your ever changing body. https://www.xothree.com/product/tilly-jane-medium-impact/

$106.95 

The structure and function of this bra is designed to make the maternity features discrete, working these aspects into the design rather than them being the feature.

How it works: Tilly Jane features a front zipper and shoulder adjusters so that you can choose how much support you require. This can often change throughout the day depending on how full you may be. This feature also ensures to grow with your ever changing body.

Also included in the design is the ring and hook combo at the back to provide extra support

Why do Australians do it so much better, all the time? I would wear these to workout – period, nursing or not!

Drawing For Relaxation, Focus and Memory Retention!

August 6, 2017

Did you know that drawing can chill you out? Yes, it’s true. You can meditate and breathe…And you can draw.

According to this article in Psychology Today, the benefits of drawing go way beyond making pretty (or shitty) pictures.

Doodling, according Sunni Brown, author of The Doodle Revolution: Unlock the Power to Think Differently, claims doodling has gotten a bad rap. In her now famous TED talk, she proposes that doodling is deep thinking in disguise and that it is a simple, accessible tool for problem-solving in general. In fact, Brown believes doodling spontaneous marks actually helps you think.

Below are some coloring books for adults (and kids – makes a GREAT parent-kid activity!) that we are loving. My son is especially obsessed with the cats. Go figure!

 

Classic Sketchbook: Botanicals by Valerie Baines

Rockport Publishers | January 1, 2017

USD $19.99 |CAN $25.99

Classic Sketchbook: Botanicals is a draw-in book that shows you how by taking a close look at the details of great floral paintings and coaches readers to try the techniques with the help of an expert’s suggestions. Printed on quality uncoated stock and suited for drawing and watercolor, each spread will consist of two working parts. The left-hand page features a close-up for a drawing or painting by a noted artist from the 19th century or earlier. The right-hand page is for drawing, with the expert’s brief coaching tips, observations, and a demonstrative sketch.

 

 

Classic Sketchbook: Cats by Patricia J. Wynne

Rockport Publishers | July 18, 2017

USD $19.99 |CAN $25.99

Classic Sketchbook: Cats  shows how art is done by looking at details of museum-quality works, then coaching readers through the techniques with the help an expert’s suggestions. This art guide provides instruction on how to sketch fur, paws, and eyes, as well as cats sleeping, playing, or pouncing. Her unique instructions place a close-up of a drawing or painting by a noted artist like Gauguin or  Chardin, on the left side of the page. The right side of the page provides step-by-step drawings, which illuminate the process.

 

Drawing for Joy by Stephanie Peterson Jones

ISBN: 9781631592959

Quarry Books | July 1, 2017

USD $22.99 |CAN $29.99

In Drawing for Joy, artist Stephanie Peterson Jones offers beginning artists a low-stress way to build a successful daily drawing practice in just 15 minutes a day. The accessible series of 52 week-by-week exercises, each with 7 drawing prompts or starts, teaches readers how to draw by exploring line, texture, pattern, and color. The book begins with basic information on the required materials for completing the exercises and essential techniques and strategies for coloring your creations.