Ride or Die B*%ches

I would like to think as I sit here in my cute little craftsman home while driving my white energy efficient SUV, as I carefully meal plan my family's week and strategize my 401k investments that I could be a Ride or Die Bi@#^ch.   Do I have what it takes? What does it mean to be ride or die? Who is truly ride or die? 

Beyonce and Jay-Z put it in song with "Me and my Girlfriend" and despite rumors of Hova's infidelities Mrs. Carter still proclaims "I love me some Jay-Z".  

Hot as f*&k Rihanna took multiple clocks from long time goofy looking boyfriend Chris Brown and despite being publicly revealed as a battered girlfriend she still stood by his side (what penis size could make a fox like her forgive that?). It  wasn't until after pouring her heart out in her cathartic and (best song ever!) single "Stay" did RiRi finally kick the violent habit.  

But lets step away from just the hip hop community...

New Jersey Housewife Teresa Giudice is now serving 15 months hard time after husband Joe took her down a rabbit hole of multiple fraud counts.  With her sentence near an end she will still be returning home to her man ...who will be whisked away 2 days later for his 42 month penitentiary holiday.  

"One day you'll be my first b#^*ch"

Let's not forget our downest B$%&^ of the country;  Washington's very own Hilary Clinton. As first lady she stood by her fellated, polka-dot blue dress staining hubby after a humiliation of global proportions.

But now I have to honor one of WestCoastWives very own ride or die B$^&ches of the hour. Our Calabasas-born Khloe Kardashian.  She gets an honorary mention in today's blog for going to extraordinary lengths to really hold on to her West Coast Wives status.  Miss Khloe K (or shall I say Khloe Odom), decided this past weekend to dismiss her and Lamar's divorce case AFTER her estranged husband put himself in to a drug induced coma while partying too hard with hookers.  It has been an already messy separation with disputes over Khloe's vs Lamar's net worth and dealing with Lamar's ever worsening drug addiction. To add to the overflowing water under the bridge Khloe publicly rebounded with B-rated rapper French Montana, and then moved on to another fling with NBA player James Harden. This is all happening whilst Lamar loses his contract with the Knicks. BURN!

But through ALL of this it hasn't stopped Khloe from claiming Lamar as "the love of her life."  In an interview with Complex Khloe, she stated; 

“Oh my god, I miss him every day, I miss what we had—things we got to do together our just memories. I like looking back and holding on to that stuff. I definitely miss it, and there’s times I’ll get so sentimental and so sad, but this had to happen for some reason. I’ll figure it out over time, someone will give me that answer eventually. I think it would be very f—-ing weird if I didn’t miss it.”

Sigh,  The heart wants what the heart wants.  Kinda romantic in this convoluted sea of poop. But let;s address what is really on everyone's mind...

Sadness suits me....

BAM!  Khloe cut her hair and she is slaying it!!!  As you may already know I've been obsessed with her for the last 6 months and this new hair is giving me more reason to obsess.  She looks AMMMMMAZZZINGGG!!! and if I could rock a lob, i'd be racing to my hair stylist with this photo.  But unfortunately with this 'do I'll end up resembling either a Connie Chung inspired anchor woman, or a suburban soccer mom (no offense suburban moms out there).  Trauma, chaos and a lob look good on you Khloe. So on that note, from one WestCoastWife to another-  we wish you and Lamar the best.

-Tuyen

For the Hangry & Fungry

Here's a quickie- what do you do when you've had a NONeffingSTOP day and now your stomach is being a total betch because it's like, wayyyy past din din? Or, what if you just don't feel like whipping up an unprocessed, carb free-saturated fat-free, fresh veggie, rich lean protein-laden masterpiece that takes 27 times longer to make/clean up than eat? This insider tip will suppress your inner Honey Boo Boo, keep you far away from In-N-Out, and be easy on your wallet.

What's the standard go-to when eating out for the vain narcissistic health-conscious worldwide? Sushi, duh. Sashimi more specifically. And you can eat it way more often. Here's the hack- and it's as simple as your local seafood shop. These joints ALWAYS have sashimi-grade SOMEthing, just pick up the phone and find out what that is. Typically it's tuna, salmon, yellow tail... all great options- salmon is my personal fave AND typically the least expensive. Then you tell them to put aside a half pound or so and VOILA sashimi on the cheap.

Are you not entertained? Ok, fine. Here are some muy important wisdom nuggets:

1. Pretty much any fresh salmon can be sashimi grade- it's a matter of FREEZING it. Once frozen and de-thawed it is safe for raw consumption. And calling ahead bypasses you having to do this at home.

2. *IMPORTANT* Do NOT let them slice the fish for you. This will then be considered a 'sashimi platter' and will quadruple in price (just like the Lanvin in my RealReal cart that I didn't snatch while on flash sale). This is where you do the heavy lifting by grabbing your sharpest weapon out of the butcher block and get all Morimoto on that shit. 

3. Make it a meal by topping with avo and fresh jalapeño. You can get cray and top it with other crap, but those are my go-tos. 

And TAH-DAH! FYI- this bad boy cost less than 15 bones. 

Konichiwa and Sayonora~

Jeanie

This is the sort of thing I would post if I was super immature and didn't own such an advanced sense of humor.

Paddling for Posers

Yes, vacation is for relaxing, eating, and drinking. But I am way too neurotic to let all that time off have me return to reality a slovenly, bloated pig.  Especially when on a tropical beach get away NO ONE wants to see me pounding Mai Thais and crushing french fries, beached like a whale in a Brazilian bikini.  Thus while on my trip to Maui I was on an everyday race to find some kind of physical calorie burn to validate the bottle of rosé I was going to pound that afternoon. When the boys decided to rent paddle boards for the week, I was ready for this to be my fitness challenge. I had tried surfing once unsuccessfully and have not been the MVP on any canoe or a kayak trip.  But I was convinced paddle boarding was going to be my ocean calling. With all the girls cruising around the San Diego bay looking so effortlessly cute and in control, I thought, "Hey, that can be me!"

This picture is a LIE!!! Unless her right hand can palm a watermelon and she has the strength of Iron Man.  

So here is the reality I was greeted with; The board is heavy and awkward as hell to carry.  Getting it into the water with moving ocean waves looks like your in a losing match wrestling against an alligator.  To add to that already arduous task, waves are not kind to string bikinis.  

Here's how i thought i looked

Finding my balance on the water took a couple of spills and nip slips, but after burning enough calories for a poke bowl and a sake bomb from continually pulling myself back on the board I was able to stand long enough to gain my bearings and actually begin paddling.  Once you hit your flow it feels at times like you are just cruising, but don't get it twisted.  You are working and toning the whole time (especially if your in choppier water or find yourself getting pulled in the wrong direction). First, It feels like you're in a continual sucking in and flexing of your abs (and this is not just cause your in a bikini!). Second, the stability your using in your legs is coming from pulling inward with your inner thigh area which is like clenching your butt cheeks and doing a Kegal all at the same time (I am convinced this action helps develop the enviable thigh gap of most super models).  Third, paddling is great for toning of the triceps, shoulders and obliques which means Madonna toned arms, with Jessica Biel shoulders and Karlie Kloss abs.                         

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Here's what i really looked like... Clearly I've got lots of work and improvement to do.  But I'm hooked! Perhaps I'll give it a go in the shark infested waters of the La Jolla Cove or maybe I'll take up the challenge of Stand up Paddle Yoga in the colder waters of Mission Bay. Ok, let's not get too carried away...Until then check out these two adorable little groms...   

-Tuyen

Halloween Haute

It's that time of the year again where I dig through dusty high school dance recital gear and that hidden box of old raunchy ex-boyfriend lingerie where crotchless panties and torn fishnets come in all colors (Hubby, if you're reading this, I've only been with one other person, he was a college sweetheart and these clothes were more for dress up than dress off). Yes, it is HALLOWEEN season! My dilemma with Halloween is the high cost of dressing up when dressing in so little.  I surely don't want to dig too deep into my Chanel fund for a one night only shit show.  Thus I rely on these few things: Creativity, Joanns Fabrics, the back of my closet I haven't cleaned out and MAKEUP!!  

Here are some simple makeup and easy costume ideas to make your Halloween sexy and maybe a little spooky. I promise I won't have what happened to Lindsay Lohan on Mean Girls happen to you.

Geisha

Things you'll need- A robe or kimono in a satin or oriental print. A sexy pair of strappy stilettos. A topknot in your hair with chopsticks.. 

Makeup:

• Ben Nye's Super White Face Powder $6 or Ben Nye Clown White Foundation $9- both are reasonably priced professional makeup products that are easy to apply.  The cream makeup will look like our girl here on the left where the powder applied over your own foundation will have a look similar to the girl on the right.  
• A smoky eye shadow combo.  I highly suggest utilizing Mac's Blacktrack fluidline as an allover lid base with Mac's Carbon eyeshadow to set it on top.  
• A bright matte red lip color.  I personally like Lorac Lipstick in Explore.
• For the look on Geisha girl on the right I highly recommend NYX Extreme Apricot for the pop of red in her eyeshadow. It's a vibrant matte red and it's only $4.50!

Kylie Jenner

Things you'll need- A long haired blue wig, a two piece nude or low cut white dress and a selfie stick.

Makeup- The look is winged eyeliner, with neutral eyeshadow, lots of fake lashes with a lot of mascara, deep contouring of the cheeks and nose, and a LOT of emphasis on the lipliner.  For the contour emphasize the look by strobing with a lighter loose powder below the eyes and cheek bones. And for the exaggerated pout start at the cupids bow of your lips to extend out with a deep colored lipliner like Chestnut from Mac.  Once you get that duck faced outline, blend in to finish the look. 

Kitty Kat

Things you'll need- Love this simple but sexy costume.  Cat ears and a black outfit that makes you purr. Perhaps fishnets and garters? leather leggings? or maybe if you read Jeanie's previous blog some over the knee Highland Hack's?

Makeup:

• Winged cat eye, whiskers and nose- Makeup Forever liquid liner pen gives great precision.
• Lips-NYX no sharpen black pencil as liner and Mac's Viva Glam 1 red for lip color.  

Anastasia Steel, Fifty Shades of Grey

Things you'll need:  This hot number can most likely be dug up in your own freak nasty arsenal.  You might even get your significant other to join in as your Christian Grey but make sure you have a pair of handcuffs! Perhaps wear a black sheer robe, or a silk slip nighty, or maybe just wear a sheet pinned around you.  Then add a strip of black lace over your eyes like a blind fold. ...

Makeup- To give that "I've just been ahem...." look wear a dewy foundation and perhaps add some shine to the cheek bones and bridge of nose with a shine like Benefit's High Beam.  For the lips a soft subtle pink with a thick rich gloss like Mac's Oyster Girl Lipglass

Joan Crawford, Mommy Dearest

Things you'll need: I stole this idea from my dear friend and blog follower "I'm not a Kors, not quite a Birkin." She posted this amazing selfie and it is the balance of creative, freaky, and sexy. You'll need a wire hanger, a fabulous floor length robe, a headband and some big pinned curls!

Makeup:

•  For that Cold Cream mask look- Ben Nye's Clown White Foundation applied precariously and not blended or smoothed.
• A great matte red lipstick with a little depth to give that old Hollywood glamour- I suggest Mac's Viva Glam I.

Zombie Ice Skater

Things you'll need- I had to include one of my favorite costumes I did with my husband a few years back! For this zombie ice skater look I used a white embellished bathing suit then sewed a feather boa around the waist line.  For my hair I found white flower girl accessories to pin on the side and I found the medals at the dollar store. 

Makeup:

For the skull detailing and eyeliner = I suggest Mac's Black Track Fluidline used with Mac's Scene eyeshadow.

For the deep contouring - Mac's Coquette Eyeshadow is a cool toned brown that gives that near death, sunken cheek look.  

Highland Hack

Hello Highland... you beautiful beasts you. I die every time I see my best friend Kate rocking your suede suppleness. But wallet loses his hard-on every time I attempt to go all the way and make you mine.  I suppose it's the practicality of it all.  Will I really get my money's worth with over-the-knee slut boots?  Should I be investing in a statement SEASONAL piece no less??

This has been a year+ struggle.  I've even settled on the conservative Lowland route to dial down the flooze factor and up the wear potential. I've search high (get it?) and low (get it again??) for an alternative and found that nothing compares... noTHING compares, to you... (Sinead gets it).

The best part about these kicks is how form-fitting they are.  They basically become second skin and morph into your lower leg, like, go go gadget Weitzmans. Although there are MILLIONS of over-the-knee options out there, they don't 'X' the boxes. The checklist is short but muy importante. We are looking for: height, material, tie detailing, and MOST importantly fit. Anything less might as well be dirty pirate booties. 

                         YES YES YES YES YES                                                                          Um, NO

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But then one Tuesday the skies parted and the fashion gods smiled down on me. After finally deciding to redeem the 23 DSW coupons that have been weighing down my Celine I made THE discovery of the lunch hour. Allow me to introduce my shameless new pals Unisa Careana Over The Knee Boots. They seriously just can't even give an eff. They live and die by the motto 'imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.' Not only is the price point VERY different than my lusty Lowlands, but the fit is beyond. I took them for a spin a couple days ago when we experienced a climate dip to 70 degrees and was NOT disappointed.  Fit? Check. Look? Swoon. Comfort level (doesn't really matter, but..)? Done and done.

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I can't promise the real deal might not make their way home to mama in the future (sorry husband). But for now I will focus all my energy on Chanel Boy Bags.

~Jeanie

MMMMM Carbs

I am just finishing up vacation and I am in a place where me = No F&^%ks given.  Reality hasn't sunk in yet and I will get to my starvation detoxes and calorie counting as soon as my sand soaked bikinis get out the laundry. But tonight is my last night and  I'm gonna live on the edge of reason and take in all the sweet yummy goodness of my near and dear lover.  Oh, Pasta I'm sorry I've scorned you all these months.  Tonight you and I will be reacquainted again for even if it is just one night. Hell, I'll even include my husband in this delectable cheat. So unlike Jeanie and her discipline in the kitchen and at the gym from yesterday's blog, tonight I'm going to share with you a recipe for one of my favorite hot pots of starchy goodness... My Sesame Pasta is the ultimate crowd pleaser.  It can be a side dish, an appetizer, a potluck addition, or dinner if your in a carb loading mood. It is an East meets West noodle dish with a taste of sesame and spice YUM!!!!  But because I don't want to scare off those who have dietary restrictions or who are currently taking part in some kind of 21 day sugar detox, I will also include alternative ingredients.  But first, let's take a 14 second look at the process....

As you can see my hubby has made an emphatic cameo.  Anyhow, let's go through the process... You will want to cook your noodles first.  In this particular recipe I used standard thin fettuccine pasta because it was in the cupboard and pasta is delicious. There are other dietary options I have included at the end in hopes I can keep the Paleo dieters and Celiac disease sufferers intrigued long enough to read through.  After your fettuccine (or whatever noodle you chose) is prepared and still hot, return it to the pot and add all the other ingredients. Mix thoroughly and serve at room temperature.  

Ingredients:

• 1 pack of pasta
• 2 tbsp grapeseed oil
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 inch cube of grated ginger
• 1 tsp of crushed red pepper (add to taste)
• 1/4 cup of roasted sesame seeds

If you are looking for a gluten free, paleo, or annoying route for this recipe some substitutions could be Korean glass noodles (derived from sweet potato), spaghetti squash, or zucchini ribbons in lieu of pasta, and Bragg's Liquid Aminos instead of soy sauce.   

Pilates is for Hotties

Fashion and fitness go hand in hand. What's the point of lusting over Helmut Lang leather pants if you're just going to look like a stuffed sausage should they finally find their way to your closet? The look we are going for is long, lean, and in need of a sandwich. Which is why no matter how shit-crammed my schedule is, pilates is penciled in at least twice a week. Need convincing? Susan Lucci. Oh yeah, she looks great for a 40-year-old, blah blah blah-NO. This bitch is SIXTY-effing-EIGHT. 68.

Please don't get it twisted- exercise in NO WAY excuses bad eating habits. The best case scenario down that road is a thick turd frame that doesn't jiggle. The old saying "abs are made in the kitchen" is TRUTH to live and die by.

Let's get real though- when I say pilates, we aren't talking about one of those classes that "you didn't even REALIZE you were working out." Just stop. If that's the case, you're doing it wrong.  I am referring to 50 minutes, maybe an hour, of sweat, seizure-esque muscles shakes, and a slow steady burn. No pain, no gain.

Find yourself a BA instructor that pushes you towards toned tush nirvana. Shop around if you must.  We are looking for someone that you're positive has lost their marbles because they do shit like: expect you to hold that plank 30 more seconds or to squeeze that tiny blue ball between your things while doing reformer squats while hammer curling hand weights. Yes, we don't much like them at 6am but when you slip into that Bettinis bikini you're Revolve shopping cart is currently flirting with, they are your bestie. 

Live in the San Diego area and need a recommendation? I can can make this real quick: Brigette Guido at Club Pilates- Pacific Beach or Adriana Vargas at Live + Love Pilates in La Jolla. Just don't book up my fave classes. Or I will have to karate chop you with my pilate-chiseled guns. Namaste.

~Jeanie

drop the mic

Sunday vibes. Check ya tomorrow.

LIVE & NUDE

So I know we just met and all, but apparently three blogs is all it takes for me to let loose and let it all hang. After imbibing in an excessive amount of antioxidant-rich grape juice, stuffing face with peanut butter cup ice cream, and then not clocking in anywhere close to my necessary nine hours of beauty rest last night, I'm looking beat ran over in need of some freshening up. So I figured I would kill two birds with one stone and use today's blog to introduce one of my favorite beauty products and use the 'ol iPhone to capture all the gory make-up and filter-free details. Things are about to get REAL.

Before:

Let's try and overlook the fact that my selfie game needs work and focus on the good stuff. Freshly scrubbed out of the shower, we've got facial discoloration, hormonal acne, and allover pallor- oh my!

The Good Stuff:

It's true that a tan covers a multitude of sins, but not only is sun damage the antichrist, it's cloudy out today so even if I wanted to make bad decisions and take it al fresco, mother nature has me in check.  Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint is amazing for achieving a healthy glow- it's designed specifically for your face and goes on tinted so you can make sure to apply evenly.  It also doesn't clog pores (huge for me) and works super quickly. Whenever I apply it at night before going to bed, I always have at least one person the next day mention how I "got some sun" and look so nice and tan. GURLLLLLLL.

After:

Again, I know it's difficult to focus with the super chic selfie-fest, but let's move along and get back to the business.  These were taken an hour after application and you can see a difference already, DEFINITELY an improvement. The product continues to darken a bit too, so by the end of the day I'll be a shade or so bronzer. 

Hope this was helpful!  I had to share as this is one of my beauty staples that I've turned quite a few friends on to and is a (multi) repeat-purchase which says a LOT for me considering my compulsion to try ALL THE PRODUCTS.  I also feel the need to introduce you to Linus as I wrap this up since he is a camera whore that made the selfie shoot even more treacherous. Adios!

~Jeanie

Made in China

I'm not quite sure the algorithm used for the targeted advertisement that is always popping up on my Facebook thread. But who knew clicking once on the link "The Tea that Kate Middleton drinks for her post-baby bod" would mean that I was perpetually pregnant and in search of every herbal laxative on the market.  So I was in a Facebook black hole; you know the hole i'm talking about, the one where you are clicking from one person to the next and you find yourself so wrapped up in a photo album of some chick you've never met before and have concluded that her boyfriend is cheating on her.  Yes, in that hour i will never gain back, I found myself clicking on a link from her page luring me with the words "Designer styles 42% off".  Peculiar, i thought.  First, the site had a name that was a strange combination of words not relating to designer or fashion, and 42%?? What a very specific discount.  This click unleashed a slew of discount websites bombarding my FB thread.  You might already know the sites: Rosegal, Shein, Sheinside, Zaful, Lovedolly, etc.  The promises of Haute Hippie inspired rompers for $12.47 and Mara Hoffman body-con look-alikes for $8.12 were just too good to be true.  So what's the catch??  I scoured the internet for reviews, insight and legitimacy on these sites. There was little feedback other than these sites were based out of China and delivery was longer than average. So I succumbed when my feed was hit with yet another "Today 28% off your favorite two piece  crop dresses!!"  Dammit facebook algorithms YOU GOT ME! I am a sucker for cheap fashion and dammit I have been debating on whether i can pull off a crop top! So i succumbed and went on a shopping spree....TWICE.  Here are my reviews and insights on two of these fast fashion websites.

 

Pros-There is always a sale at Shein.com, Discounts are offered at different amounts everyday and the items are priced so low you can really fill your bag and not break the bank.  

Cons- They mislead you by saying "Spend $100 and receive 20% off!" when most items are not eligible for these sales.  However it's no big deal if you end up paying full price for your $10 maxi dress.  I ended up paying full price for all 7 of my items which added up to a whopping $98 dollars.

Pros- There is a multitude of fashion options that you can browse for hours.  The catalog imagery is a mixed bag of nuts but they offer product reviews from actual customers and an option to share images of yourself wearing your purchase.  Super helpful in getting an idea of the quality and real life look of these items. 

Cons- The big issue is the return policy, you basically can't return ANYTHING.  The only exception is if there is a flaw or it was inaccurately describe and even then they don't make it easy. You are require to take photos, and show measurements for them to analyze your reasons for return and then after much deliberation you still have to pay to ship returns back for review. God forbid you decide the corset D&G knock off you got for $7.63 was just not your taste. You unfortunately have to keep it.

Conclusion-Shipping, although it took longer than a domestic purchase (10-12 business days), was communicated from the beginning and arrived in two separate packages based on availability within the time promised. Quality was similar to Forever 21 but a fraction of Forever 21 prices if that is even possible.  Also styles were unique enough that no one would know where you purchased them and if paired with a pair of Jimmy Choo's and a Saint Laurent clutch no one would have to know you spent $19.83 on your dress. Of the 7 items only 2 were a bust.  Overall not too bad of an experience! Check out some of my purchases...

Zaful.com is a very similar style of website as Shein.com with the abundance of items and a great user reviews system that allows you to see "real people" wearing the clothes and their reviews of the quality and service.  It also has the same difficult return policy, therefore you know that whatever you purchase you have to be willing to part with the money no matter what.  

Pros- Trendy interface with a touch more stylish options than Shein.com with comparable prices.

Cons- Zaful rhymes with Awful.  Doesn't quite roll off the tongue like Neiman Marcus.

Pros- You can pay through PayPal which means your credit card is protected from any potential fraud.

Cons- Shipping can potentially split into two completely different orders. They don't share what is on backorder even if you have ordered it and instead they  just continue to notify you that the item will be two more weeks....and two more weeks... and two more weeks...

Conclusion- Zaful's website and items had a more stylish on trend feel than Shein. I purchased a dress that was essentiially a Free People dress (tags and all) for under $20 that I LOVE.  However of the 4 items I ordered I only received 2 and was promised the remaining 2 eight weeks after the initial order. The feedback process was slow, and cancelling the order was a week long process.  Although i did receive my money back, the hassle for a $32 spend was just not worth it.  

Here are the items i received...

-Tuyen

Champagne for My Real Friends...

Whether it's your turn to play the hostess with the mostest or you're just attacking another Tuesday night, here are some WCW-approved sips that won't break the bank or offend tastebuds- go away two buck Chuck, you're not wanted here.

***DISCLAIMER: I'm feeling like quite the daredevil taking on this post since Tuyen is the resident sommelier of the two of us.  While I drink wine like it's my job, it actually WAS Tuyen's job for a respectable amount of time and hopefully my picks don't vex her snobby pallet ;)                                                                                   CHEERS!!!

Bubbles:

The fact that champagne has less calories than wine is reason enough to celebrate!  My fave these days is Bouvet Rosé Excellence. If you haven't jumped on the rose train yet- ALL ABOARD- time to wet your whistle.

Sauvignon Blanc:

Does it have minerality? Is it citrus forward? Not sure, but Kim Crawford is damn good and always goes down wayyyyyy too easily.  Easy to find too, Costco is a good bet for the best price.

Chardonnay:

As much as I hate being that person who just 'adores a rich, buttery chard'... I'm going to own it because DAMMIT if I don't freaking love a creamy, cool glass of chardonnay paired with...um...everything. My hand. Finding a chard that fits this bill at a decent price can be tough, Newton Unfiltered, Rombauer, La Crema, pretty much anything Russian River can't do wrong in my book, but Chateau St. Jean is a pleasant surprise at the price point.

Pinor Noir:

When the temps cool down or you have a tinge of wine flu from the bottle of white you gulped last night while watching Real Housewives of OC and need to switch it up, Pinot Noir is one of those versatile reds that's light enough to drink alone or pair with seafood and not be judged. I've been feeling J. Lohr lately although there are tons of budget-friendly options I wouldn't kick out of bed.

Other reds:

I couldn't do a wine post without paying homage to my old faithful Apothic Red. It's big, it's juicy, it's got the tiniest hint of sweet and it's BOMB.COM.

The end. Salud. Prost. Let me know if you've got a must-try hidden gem!

~Jeanie

Beach Bag Beauty

As i pack for my Hawaii trip i must remember: A vacation to a tropical locale does not mean a vacation from beauty maintenance. Yes, I must pry from my grip my contour palette, my Urban Decay smokey eyes and my curling wand and opt for a more effortless beach chic approach.  Although vacation season is coming to a close SoCal mother nature has been blessing (or burning...) us with a sweltering 90 degree heat wave. So whether your jetting away to the far corners of the South Pacific or your just heading down the road to cool off at La Jolla Shores here are some of my beach beauty must-haves I will be bringing as I embark upon balmy weather, intense sun, and salty waves.

La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen

As much as i would love to carry a parasol and wear elbow length gloves like my fellow Asian cousins, this sunscreen allows me to maintain some of my dignity and protect my skin from the sun's aging rays.  All the ladies mags rave about it for good reason.  It's lightweight, has lasting protection and can be worn under makeup without a greasy finish.  A must have for all seasons! 

Nars Orgasm the Multiple

I just included this because the name is so amazing. JK!! No for real tho' this is a great cream stick blush in the same color as its popular powder blush predecessor "Orgasm."  It's a light-weight creamy texture with a soft coral and gold shimmer that looks great on tan dewy skin and can be used on cheeks, lips and eyes.  The stick application makes it easy to transport and it's also offered in a smaller travel size.  .

Eric Javits Sunhat

I have a propensity for melasma aka a skin discoloration resembling the beginning of a pencil thin Frenchmen's mustache. Thus a sunhat that offers preventative measures while still looking cute is KEY. I own the "Squishee" style photographed, but Eric Javits has multiple styles that are simple,versatile, and offer maximum sun protection blocking 95% of the suns UVA/UVB rays!! A total must in wrinkle prevention! They also travel super well and never lose their shape.  Just be prepared to spend a pretty penny. These can be found at Neiman Marcus or online but I was lucky to receive mine as a gift from my two bffs :)   

Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara

I just can't live without mascara no matter where I am. This mascara is truly the best in lengthening, separating and holding curl.  If i have to be a minimalist with my makeup I still need to have an amazing set of lashes!

Kate Sommerville Exfolikate

After a day of sunscreen, salt water, sweat, sand, and god knows what else you've covered your face nothing is better than a good scrub down.  This exfoliating treatment is intense but SUPER effective.  You only need a pea size amount and a few minutes of scrubbing and your face will feel completely renewed.  The next day my makeup goes on smoother and i feel like i can abuse it all over again!

What's in your Beauty Beach Bag??

-Tuyen

Black Card

Here's a scenario all-too-common in my world as a WCW, and it all starts with an itch. Not the kind that inspires uncomfortable Vagisil commercials, but the "my-closet-feels-uninspired-and-I-need-a-fourth-Cafe-la-Rue-weekend-happy-hour-option" itch.  But there's still smoke coming out of my wallet (and husband's ears) from last week's "having-a-skinny-day-and-would-rather-shop-than-eat" lunch break.  Thanks to my (TJX Rewards) Black Card I don't have to white-knuckle through this shopping compulsion.  Instead, I'll get off on the thrill of the hunt, and maybe discover a Dolma leather jacket currently being sold on Revolve for twice the price (TRUE STORY btw).  Talk about a big fat cherry on that supple leather sundae.  Which brings me to...

Five execution strategies when never paying full price for fabulous:

1.  Do NOT go when you're short on time.  Unless I want to trigger a panic attack and end up reaching for that emergency Xanax in my Celine, I only go when I can truly dedicate myself to the hunt.

                                                                             Doma Leather Moto Jacket - Retail $700 - Scored for $300

2.  Do NOT go there looking for something specific.  The "I want a chic sleeveless dress, above the knee, not to clingy, size 2, pastel color pallet need not apply" mentality won't get you anywhere here.  The true payoff comes when you float from the shoe section to contemporary to activewear and let your inhibitions go.

                                                                          rag & bone/jean Skinny Legging - Retail $185 - Scored for $40

3.  Remember the rule of the 'first find.'  If you discover something that you think you kinda like but could also live without it- GRAB IT.  I've found that once I break the seal and have something in my arms it's like Quimby's law of attraction- more treasures start jumping off the racks.

                                                                                Rails Hunter Button Down - Retail $135 - Scored for $59

4.  CLEARANCE. RACK.  This area often gets overlooked because, well, aren't those the pick-over loser reject threads?  Erroneous.  This rack is the holy grail and make sure you show respect and comb through carefully or you might miss that James Perse staple white tank for $7 bucks.  

                                                                    Husdon Signature Bootcut Jeans - Retail $200 - Scored for $50

5. Zip code.  These places aren't going to stay in business if they can't appeal to their neighboring demographic, so it's not brain surgery as to why the inventory at the 92037 Marshalls makes the inventory at 92115 look like Cheap Hooker-Mart.  

                                                                  Diane von Furstenberg Knit Wrap Dress - Retail $400 - Scored for $59

Got any retail discount meccas of your own?  Please share!!!

~Jeanie

And we're LIVE!!!

After much talk and contemplation WestCoastWives is finally no longer just an idea but is now here for our and your entertainment!  It all began 5 years ago as two single girls became friends and realized their mutual love for long distance running, buttery chardonnay, fart jokes, and Christian Louboutin. Since then we have become hitched and now our combined interests have extended to Spanish wine, low carb diets, embarassing sexcapades and Lanvin.  

The process of getting us two neurotic queen bees to sit down commit and create was as hard as it was to wake up and decide to go gluten free for a month.  But we will be blogging and blabbering on for much longer than a month and we are so excited to share the many insights and blunders of a West Coast Wife.  

Although our namesake involves wives we are not exclusively speaking to married women or even just women.  This is our platform to show our perspective of what it's like to be a  person/woman/wife,  living in this crazy world of Southern California.  Staying on trend and in style is like a part time job and keeping up with the endless youth and beauty  around you can make you want to either throw on your fat sweats and cry or squeeze into your Herve Leger knock off in desperation.  WestCoastWives is a plethora of topics from fashion wins, fails and finds to beauty tips to recipes and restaurant critiques to just our unadulterated opinion on Zac Effrons lower abdomen.  We are here to explore it all!  Keep in mind we are still in the beta phase so minor changes and updates will be made as we go.  But please feel free to explore and troll around as you would on any ex-lover's Facebook page. Thank you for joining us on this journey and stay connected as we bring you more blogs on WestCoastWives!  Before I sign off, here is our version of.....

Top 10 ways you know your a WestCoastWife

1.  You opted for the tuna tartare appetizer rather than an entree so you could save the calories for an extra glass of wine...or two.....

2.  You have a collection of amazing designer handbags that were either purchased used, black market, occasionally full retail- but only after getting your husband to cave by finally performing that one act you claimed "you had too much self respect for!!!"

3.  Pregnancy means 10 months of strategizing your Beyonce inspired post-baby bod debut.

4.  You know what "marionette lines" and "elevens" are.

5.  You have mastered the selfie without succumbing to the duck face.

6.  You receive spam email from Gilt, Shopbop, Hautelook, Revolve, ASOS, TheRealReal...

7.  Having a youthful healthy tan while trying to also prevent premature aging from the sun is a balancing act where bronzer, trendy sun hats and zig zagging to the shady side of the street is common place.  

8.  You've taken at least one Barre, Soul Cycle, Piyo, or Bikram class this week.  

9.  Sunday Brunch means skimpy rompers, aviators, and stilettos/wedges with a mimosa main course.

10.  You have an arsenal of laxatives and detox teas in the event you need to squeeze into that cut out Halston Heritage dress you've been waiting to debut.

Get your pose on!

GNO's happen on a rare occasion but when they do designer heals, spandex, big hair and lots of contour make an appearance.  

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7/25/15

So we're starting a blog....

Here we go....