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Thursday, May 31, 2012

Do or don't: Salt and pepper hair

I know some women would rather die than let their peers see their grey roots (like those 80 year old ladies we see with jet black hair or bleached blonde locks...yikes!). But I think if the hair is healthy and cut in a chic 'do, it can be totally statement-making and expressive of one's confidence and natural beauty.

What do you guys think?

(Image via Pinterest)

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

A Guide to Summer Weddings: Clutch Essentials


wedding guest essentials.


I don't know about you, but I've certainly been guilty, many a time, for overpacking suitcases and overstuffing purses. I've since improved my packing skills, and I'd like to help you avoid overpacking this wedding season. In this post, I'll show you my favorite must-haves for guests of summer weddings, along with a couple of packing tips:

Monday, May 28, 2012

Giveaway!

 

{Giveaway Closed}

Today, I have a very special treat for you guys! I will be giving away two pairs of earrings to two lucky ladies, courtesy of Susan of Libellula Jewelry and Cicada Silver, whose earrings are so earthy and bohemian and always seem remind me of beautiful fountain gardens.

For a chance to win...
1) Follow An Air of Surprise via GFC (and tell me the name you follow under)
2) 'Follow' Susan's blog OR 'follow' Susan on Twitter!

For two extra entries, 'follow' me on Twitter...easy!

This giveaway will end on Monday, June 4th at noon EST.

Susan, thank you, dear! Best wishes, everyone!

Friday, May 25, 2012

Have a nice weekend!

Three cheers for a long weekend!! Today I woke up early (read: before noon) and did my big sissy's hair for her 20th birthday weekend (Happy Birthday, Rachel!!). And tomorrow, Al and I are setting out to enjoy our city's big jazz festival...can't wait!

What's on your weekend agenda? Busting out your new swimsuit? Sippin' (virgin) margaritas poolside? Heading down to the beach? Do tell!

P.S. If you haven't already, follow me on Twitter, now! You'll see mini hauls, nummy recipes I'm trying, and daily ramblings from your's truly...go, go, go!

(Top image via Ruffles and Pleats)

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Do or don't: Neon nails

Almost every time I get my nails done, I either go for clear or a pale pink, simply because, without fail, by the next day the polish will have chipped off of at least one of my nails. This time around, I think I'll go for something different: neon nails. They're so bright and fun for the summer, especially 'Rare' by Illamasqua, and it's a such lovely way to take part in this pervasive neon trend.

What do you think? Yay or nay?

(Via)

Monday, May 21, 2012

A Guide to Summer Weddings: Ladies, what should you wear?

Wedding season has officially begun! This means traditional church nuptials and preppy country club receptions, trendy downtown ceremonies and ritzy black-tie soirées. To kick this thing off, I've decided to start a brief new series called A Guide to Summer Weddings in which I'll feature a few ideas and tips to help brides and guests alike get through the summer. First up: guest attire for women. Enjoy!

Friday, May 18, 2012

Have a stellar weekend!

Goshdarnit, I feel pretty accomplished! I did quite a bit this week: graduated from high school, completed all of my AP exams, started a new hobby, finished writing my "thank you letters", hung out with Al, and ordered these killer wedges (which were just delivered...eep!)! Here's to an even more productive weekend!

How was your week? And what does your weekend entail? Going for a helicopter ride? Buying a chic new fedora? Listening to some oldies but goodies? Do tell!

P.S. Because I'm in such an awesome mood, I'm going to leave you with the above image of Frank Sinatra. Stepping out of his helicopter. Wearing a fedora. Winning at life.
Also, Count Basie and Sinatra.

Have a good one!

P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter!

(Top image via Silodrome; bottom image via Life)

I'm on Twitter!

It's official. I've caved. Not sure how long this will last, but why not just give it a go?


(Via W+D)

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Baking

Even though I'm terrible at cooking, I've recently taken a liking to baking and have discovered that I'm pretty good at it (so far my specialty is mini apple pies...yum!)! For recipe tips and ideas, I've been frequenting the 'Devour' section of the blog Merely Marie, and have found a ton of delicious treats that I want to try. First up is something easy, the banana bread, which I'll be baking today...wish me luck!

Do you like to bake?

(Via)

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Heads up: BIG Anthro Sale!

Anthropologie's Semi-Annual Clearance Sale is officially underway...so make sure you get there while there are still things to get got!! In the meantime, here are just a few of the goodies that I hope to get my hands on!

Monday, May 14, 2012

Monday lips

This is the lipstick that my mom got for Mother's Day (in 'Le Orange'). The color is stunning and packaging is absolutely exquisite. What better way to start off the week than with a bold, beautiful lip?

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Happy Mother's Day!

To my mother and all of the other deserving mothers out there, I wish you a very happy Mother's Day!

Mommy, I love you.


Friday, May 11, 2012

Have a beautiful weekend

Lovelies, I have good news and bad news. Bad news first: I'll be missing Baccalaureate and Senior Banquet because my lacrosse team is in the middle of playoffs and we have a game right as the events begin (SUCH a bummer! Seriously moped about this...). But, the good news is that I'll be graduating tomorrow and I found this adorable dress to wear (in 'seafoam'!)! So, ladies, please wish me blessings tonight at my game and tomorrow morning I'll be off the receive my diploma! 

What are you doing this weekend? Celebrating a great accomplishment? Dancing in the street? Buying something with ruffles? Do tell!

(Image via Ruffles and Pleats)

Thursday, May 10, 2012

What's your favorite going-out lip color?

Yesterday, I came across this beautiful lip gloss in Black-Tie Plum by Dior while looking for something to wear to my Senior Banquet. Typically, when look for lip colors, I lean towards subtle roses, plums and browns, so this is right up my ally! The color is a deep burgundy plum with a subtle shimmer throughout. It's also very buildable, which means it can be worn as a stain or a full-on lip color. Normally if I go anywhere nice, my go-to lip is a nude-y gloss with a subtle shimmer, but this plum lip would be such an elegant alternative, don't you think?

What's your favorite lip shade for special occasions?

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Anthropologie May 2012 Catalogue

This month, Anthro set a wonderful tone right from the get-go by choosing an up-close, straight-on image of a wonderfully curly-haired model to be their cover photo. As soon as I saw this in my mailbox, I immediately flipped it open and started making mental notes of what I liked. Have a peek and see what really caught my eye!

Monday, May 7, 2012

Eyeliner appliqués

I heard about these from the ladies over at Pixiwoo and I just had to share. Glam Republic has recently come out with black fabric strips that will give you the perfect winged liner. The strips are available in the three standard sizes of thin, medium and thick, and come with the option of either a matte or sparkly finish. You apply them just as you would false eyelashes, and they'll last all day, are super easy to remove, and can be reused!


What do you think of these? Would you give them a try or will you stick to your gel and liquid liners?


P.S. So far, they're being sold exclusively at Superdrug, but at the moment, they appear to be sold out. Keep your eyes peeled to see if they get restocked!


(Image source)

Friday, May 4, 2012

Have a nice weekend.

Last night my senior class had a lock-in, and, ohmigoodness, it was so much fun! A couple of kids managed to pull all-nighters, but I was so tired that I was completely out by three. Even though I had a ton of fun, this morning felt bittersweet as I realized that this was the last big shebang before our graduation next weekend...Nevertheless, our school admin. and parent volunteers were so great for putting this together for us, and I'm so glad that our class was able to have such a fun and eventful night together.

Switching topics, I've been "secretly planning" a road-trip this summer for a few friends and I to take. Does anyone know of any fun spots to pass thru here in the states? Be sure to let me know in the comments or shoot me an email!

What are you doing this weekend? Having a sleepover (be sure to bring a game to play...we played Apples to Apples)? Planning a road trip? Going to the gym? Do tell!

P.S. My new friend Douriean Fletcher of Eklektik Ekhos has been given the opportunity to show her work at Labo Ethnik in Paris this June! All she has to do is figure out how to get there! If you'd like to help out Douriean, feel free to enter this wonderful auction that Susan of Libellula Jewelry  is hosting.


xoxo
Rimi

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Pencil tip carvings


This is a little project that I think Al would love to take on! Brazilian carpenter and house remodeler Dalton M. Ghetti taught himself how carve incredibly small figurines from the pencil lead of discarded pencils. And Ghetti is so dedicated to his hobby, that he carves these intricate sculptures without the use of a magnifying glass!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

What would you wear on a spring date?

Picture this: After a long, rainy week, the sun has finally come out. You and your beau have decided to spend a beautiful spring afternoon together. So far you've planned to ride your bikes down to the park, where you'll have a picnic under the beautiful canopy of a cherry blossom tree. Then, later on, you'll both take a nap in a cozy hammock. What will you wear?

Above, a slouchy V-neck sweater, which you'll let casually slip off your shoulder.
A floral silk playsuit.

A comfy maxi dress with a ruffle that will mimic the blossoming flowers as they sway in the breeze.

A denim shirtdress and your favorite cork-wedge sandals.

A basic tank and white denim shorts.

Which outfit would you pick? (I'd love to have that maxi dress...the back is lovely!)