DIY Beauty

Skincare doesn't have to be a science and I've learned, the simpler the better. Here are two of my favorite recipes. 

 This first recipe is from a magazine, maybe Bazaar, but now I can't remember. Anyway, it's not my original idea and I'm not claiming it as such.

I got the recipe for this great facial scrub from my lovely sister. It's soothing and softening, and has a gentle cleansing effect. It's perfect for all skin types.

Recipe:

1 tsp honey

1 tsp baking soda

1-2 drops lavender oil

2 drops warm water

Mix ingredients together in a small bowl. Massage gently into skin in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water.

♠

illustrated: summer favorites

I can't begin to tell you the trouble I've had scanning this painting. I tried 4 different times, and there was always some weird event or computer malfunction that would prevent me from scanning it. The scanner is in my office and is connected to my bosses computer, which is entirely in Mandarin. That may have something to do with it...

A month later, and half way through the summer, I can finally publish my summer wish list! So far, I've acquired the denim vest, and even though I don't have the neon pink shorts yet, I probably have enough neon for one summer wardrobe. I would still like to add a pair of Salt Water Sandals, though. They're definitely a summer staple that will last for years! Lastly, stripes are always on my list. I just can't get enough of them! When I painted this, it was still cool and cloudy here (Seattle summer doesn't usually start till July 5th), so a long sleeved top made sense. Now it's way too warm and muggy, so the Breton-style top has been moved to my Fall wish list. Surprisingly, I don't own one yet!

What pieces have been your favorites so far this summer? Do you have anything on your Fall wish list yet?
♠

COVET. Charlotte Olympia Platform

Introducing my latest obsession, these Charlotte Olympia Platforms (more specifically, this painting I did of one). I can't find this specific style in any online shops, but you can pre-order this similar style at Nordstrom.

There's a scene in That Thing You Do, where they're having lunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel; surrounded by that iconic banana leaf wallpaper. I remember, my 12 year old self, thinking "I want that wallpaper. I will have that wallpaper." Now, 15 years later, Charlotte Olympia has chosen it as a prominent pattern in her Spring 2012 collection. At prices that range from $625 for sandals, to $1,075 for the platforms, this pattern is still out of my reach.

At least, now I know I can replicate the pattern pretty well. Maybe I will just paint it on my walls.

COVET. Chanel hair pins

The other week, I had decided to can COVET. Instead of giving up, though, I'm going to try it from a different approach: I'm going to draw or paint every item I feature. Alone, COVET. was just another generic item-of-the-week feature, but with my paintings, it has a little more character; it's a little more "Fleur d'Elise".

Lately, I've been dreaming of these Chanel hairpins. They probably wouldn't even work in my hair, but they're such delicious little trinkets! They're part of the Spring 2012 Ready-to-wear collection (you know, the sea-themed one) and I'm not even sure they're available in stores yet. You might be able to find them at Chanel boutiques, but I couldn't find them on the website, so I'm not positive. According to the March issue of Harper's Bazaar, they'll cost you about $300.

At first, the price doesn't seem so atrocious, I look at my bank account and think "Yeah, I've got that." Oh wait, that's all I have and to spend it on teeny bobby pins would be insanity. Trevor said "You should write about how I would kill you if you bought those." I told him that I always mention how I would be dead. It's not as funny the third and fourth time, dear.

Original painting of Chanel Hairpins by Catie Beatty

Photo-a-Day: Week 2

6. dinner

This was dinner on Monday. After Sunday's fare (so much cheese!) I thought a salad was in order. Call me old fashioned, but I still view salads as the confessional booth of foods. Repent of thy sins! Now do 10 Hail Meuslis.


7. button



8. sun

This is the last of the sunshine being reflected onto my apartment building.


9. front door



10. self portrait

I always thought I couldn't draw human figures, but then I decided to sit down and give it a real go. I drew myself, since I know that "subject" best. I think I turned out alright. There are certainly some "artistic liberties" taken, though.


11. makes you happy

This is Frida. For the past 2,758 mornings (minus the 7 months I lived in England) I have woken up to this silly looking dog. I laugh at her every day. Her face is so funny. Ears for days.


12. inside my closet

It's hard to take a photo in my closet. The lighting is horrible.

Follow me on Twitter to see a new photo every day. @catiebeatty

Photo-a-Day

spring wish list: illustrated

Clockwise from the left:

1. J.Crew Tippi Sweater $72.50
Great for layering (Spring weather can be unpredictable!) and the perfect preppy piece to pair with all of those crazy florals, which we'll get to later. Check out J.Crew for a million other colors.

2. Cat-Eye Glasses
This is one of those trends that seems to have real staying power. Vogue says it's because of the recession (no one has money to invest in new trends). Regardless, they're pretty awesome and go great with those other trends that don't seem to be going anywhere: 50's and 60's style

3. H&M Chiffon Blouse $49.95
Collars are EVERYWHERE. Classic oxford collars, patterned collars, peter pan collars, beaded collars; everything goes! They're an easy way to add some interest to an outfit. Layer it under your crew-neck sweater (see #1) for insta-prep.

4. M.A.C. Fake Lashes $15
What's nice about the trends this Spring is that they all go together! You don't have to worry about getting your space-age make-up to look right with Victorian-inspired dresses. Instead, most of everything looks straight outta the early 60's. So pair your cat-eye glasses with cat-eye make-up. Try fake lashes for extra oomph!

5. ASOS Floral Pants $72
Florals were seen all over the runways again for S/S 2012, but these are not your prissy mini-florals of years past. Think huge, bright, and kinda kitsch. Alexander Wang and Blumarine had some of the biggest, most over-the-top prints. Asos has some good ones, too!

6. J.Crew Tillary Bucket Tote $198
Ok, so neon is yet another trend that keeps coming back every spring. It just makes sense. It's fun, it's lively, and like masago adds such a pleasant pop to sushi, neon adds the nicest pop to an outfit. This leather bucket bag is a steal at just under $200. Also, check out the Celine-esque Tillary totes for $328.