Waking Up with a Cerato Girl

This morning was a bit more relaxed than normal.

I woke up to pleasantly find I was out of coffee (most caffeine-addicted individuals, such as myself, would normally react in a manner inconceivable to most—usually a moment of panic, an instant stream of words moving like a breaking news banner across the ripples of my brain; they would probably say something like, “OMG, WHAT DO I DO NOW…I NEEEEED COFFEE, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO FUNCTION WITHOUT COFFEE”), however to my very own surprise I found myself gladly opting for mandarin orange spiced tea. It was at that moment that I knew only good would come of this day.

The sun was beaming into my kitchen, teasing me with the promise of warmth. Wind silently trickled through clusters of mossy green leaves and as I gazed through the residue-covered glass, I imagined the pitter-patter rustle one might hear standing just beneath them. I pulled up the window hoping to delight in nature’s very own orchestra, smiling as I turned on my heel and sashayed toward my closet.

What to wear, what to wear (these three little words trounce in and out of my mind at least twice a day—often times more). Oh how I love the inevitable transition into spring (I roll my eyes). The inconsistency can, at times, wear on my outfit creativity—even the Weather Channel can’t be trusted, so I double check the temperature of the breeze slipping through the window screen and walk back to my closet.

My go to in times of uncertainty, a floor length maxi dress (particularly a bold, bright shade of green by Robbi & Nikki). There’s really nothing that makes you feel more feminine and relaxed as it sways back and forth over the tops of your feet. It was just a bit too chilly to wear the t-strapped maxi alone, so I pulled my chambray shirt from its teal, velvet hanger and tied it up around my waist. Interesting but effortless had officially become my theme for the day.

A high bun would complete the entire look, with the addition of a twisting snake ring from Stella & Dot and a stack of Kristin Hassan wraps and bangles.

Now, all I needed was the cool breeze of a tucked-away beach resort—my mind began to wander (I’m positive losing focus would be my superpower). Instead, I decided I would walk the mile to work, delighting in the beaming sun and cool breeze and imagining a quiet place somewhere beyond the horizon.

Perhaps it was the tea or maybe the beautiful day, but my morning spiraled into a state of Zen that even I could not have foreseen. As I neared the corner to Cerato Boutique I was certain—these moments are the greatest moments.

We’ve Got Your Basics Covered

When filling out any wardrobe we can’t emphasize the importance of basics enough. They’re not the most exciting addition to your closet, but trust us, they’re the most essential. We’re talking your solid, jersey knit tee, maxi, cardigan, your go-to when you’re running behind but still want to feel put together. They need little more than a great pair of shoes and accessories to dress up or down, a crucial detail for any time-crunched fashionista.

Sure you can purchase a few v/crew-neck tees and call it a day, but how about some basics with a little attitude? Well you’re in luck, because that’s just what Cerato and Kristin Hassan teamed up to accomplish. The result: a collection of classics you’ll be intermixing in your current wardrobe for some time (talk about a great investment!).

The ideas leading up to its inception are pretty short and sweet. After combing the fashion market for a line indicative of both Cerato and their ever-confident consumer, they felt nothing quite made the cut. Thus, they began throwing around the idea of creating their own. After months of hard work and a string of obstacles, we are happy to announce the arrival of our very own apparel line!

We’ll be officially launching this Friday for our 2^nd Anniversary party! Stop by and check out our twist on the typical basic. You’ll want one in every color!

How To: Spa Week

Today marks the beginning of spa week (or should we say our favorite week next to fashion week) and as an ode to its brilliance we’ve dedicated this post to everything Zen-like. From dresses with hues that instantly send us into swirls of relaxation, to products that spoil your skin with soft luminosity, we couldn’t be more excited to think and write about the pampering we all deserve.

Suspending our busy lives for the selfish pleasure of a calm euphoria isn’t exactly something we’re used to. However, we see the importance in (occasionally) treating ourselves, and what’s more convincing than a week when pampering doesn’t come at the expense of our purse strings?  Yeah, we can’t argue with that either, so here’s some spa-like favorites we’ve found that will surely appease your tranquil appetites.

Spa Week Prep List:

This Robbi & Nikki maxi exudes ease and effortlessness, the perfect match for your post-massage easygoing attitude. Its radiant color will pair well with your beaming smile as you gracefully glide down the glittering sidewalk (we imagine you’ll be transported into a state of such bliss that even gray will look more like gold).

If you opt for a facial (though we think you should get one of everything), these skin care lines by Comfort Zone and Benefit are the ultimate in upkeep.

Comfort Zone offers organic scrubs and body butters to relieve your youthful glow of dead, dry skin while retaining moisture and keeping the silky smoothness of a body wrap treatment. We also love when products are created without all the harmful chemicals, so we couldn’t pass an opportunity to feature one of the best.

Also within the Comfort Zone family is the Renight facial line, featuring moisture boosting creams and derma-fillers. Talk about products that will keep you from ever walking into a plastic surgeons office. With the help of these essentials you’ll be able to put off that follow-up facial for months at a time!

Benefit is also on the skin savvy train with products like this B.right six-piece starter set, the ideal kit for testing their most beloved in skin care maintenance. Their focus is keeping your face looking young and vibrant, allowing your makeup to be less of a cover-up and more of a means for enhancement. We love a makeup company that keeps our skin’s health at the top of their list, even when we may not.

These are our must-haves for kicking off (and maintaining the radiance of) spa week! We can’t wait to pamper ourselves rotten this week, and we can only hope you do the same—we know you deserve it!

*Robbi & Nikki maxi is available at Cerato Boutique, or online. Comfort Zone skin care lines are available at Fuga Salon & Spa (ask for advice from their Estheticians, not only are they wonderful, but incredibly knowledgeable!)