Monthly Archives: November 2015

Celebrating the Holidays at Fashion Valley!

Well, happy Black Friday everyone! If you’re like me, you’re already out there, ready to take on the ultimate in holiday shopping after spending time with loved ones on Thanksgiving. While out shopping, don’t forget to stop by Fashion Valley Mall because not only can you get in some major holiday shopping with over 200 stores, but you can also get that special photo for your little one at the Santa Photo Experience, and celebrate in style with seasonal events, like the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony we attended last week. I’ve included some of the pictures I took at the Tree Lighting Ceremony, as well as some information on Santa’s schedule and other special holiday events taking place at Fashion Valley. If you plan on getting pictures with Santa, be sure to schedule your visit ahead by visiting http://noerrsanta.com/simon/, like I did for Dominic. Have a great weekend!

The evening was hosted by Robert Santos of 10 News San Diego

Top photo: The Instagram picture of Dominic in his reindeer antlers and light-up nose (given out free that night), ended up being reposted by Fashion Valley!

Popular holiday carols were provided by the Salvation Army Brass Band

Santa arriving at the Tree Lighting Ceremony!

Let the holiday celebration begin!

Dominic met actor Corbin Bernsen, who co-hosted the event. Such a nice (and funny) guy!

After the Tree Lighting Ceremony, everyone was treated to snacks and activities next to the Santa Photo Experience. Dominic definitely took part by making a Penguin Ornament, and also crafted a Candy Cane Reindeer!

Some of the holiday events and the schedule for the Santa Photo Experience, which runs now through December 24, 2015.

Oh, London!

I love London. Anyone who is a regular reader of my blog knows I’ve been to my favorite city three times, and one of my recent trips was chronicled right here on this blog (there are several posts that can be found in the “World In My Eyes” section). So of course when I saw this adorable midi-skirt on Chicwish called “Oh London”, I just had to get it! I wore it to the Del Mar Races recently, because it seemed like the perfect place to wear it: a bright, beautiful day where this skirt could be seen in all it’s British glory! Wearing a simple palette of all black allowed this skirt to speak for itself, and to answer the question most asked about this skirt (other than where did I get it): yes, it has pockets!

A close-up of the fabulous Chanel cassette tape necklace I bought from Designer Vault (I’ve covered a couple of their events here and here). If you want authentic vintage Chanel, I highly recommend Designer Vault!

Isn’t my hubby handsome? (This photo taken by Tanya of La Bella Tanchi)

Outfit: Chicwish “Oh London Pleated Midi-Skirt“; Sheinside “Black Lapel Split Long Sleeve Pockets Blazer“; Forever21 tank top; Enzo Angiolini Coadi Houndstooth Pumps; Vintage Prada purse; Chanel cassette tape necklace from Designer Vault; Bonlook glasses & sunglasses; Kate Spade bracelets

A Day (or Two) at the Races

The Del Mar Racetrack is the second largest horse-racing venue in the Western United States and has two seasons: The Summer Meet and the Bing Crosby Meet. I’ve gone to the races previously, as part of a bachelorette party, and with my family for a food truck event (post here) and to see Weezer with my husband and son last year (post here). I was very lucky this year to be invited to a couple of media events for the Bing Meet. I took my best friend Janice to Opening Day for the Bing Crosby season, and I brought my husband for the Breeders’ Cup viewing. Although both events allowed us to view the races and bet, I liked that each event provided us different ways to enjoy the races. A pictorial recap follows below. This is the last week of the Bing Crosby season this year, so get out there and see the races, cheers!

Bing Crosby Season Opening Day 2015 (October 29, 2015)

“The horses are on the track!”

It’s not just about the ladies in their finest: check out these men and their awesome ensembles!

Janice and I dressed the part for the “Old Hollywood” theme. Plus, it gave me the excuse to buy my first ever fascinator hat!

My outfit: “Jemima” dress c/o Voodoo Vixen; Target stockings; Jessica Simpson shoes; Vintage Prada purse; Scala “Betty” Fascinator Headband (purchased at Village Hat Shop in Seaport Village)

Breeders’ Cup Day at the Races & Halloween Pre-Party (October 31, 2015)

America’s Best Racing provided a very different experience for myself and my husband. We had VIP access to the Betty Grable Celebrity Suite where we enjoyed food and beverages, plus a great view of the track. This was also a viewing party to see the 2015 Triple Crown Champion and California’s own American Pharaoh race at The Breeders’ Cup, and he won!

So nice to sit and chat with Tanya of La Bella Tanchi!

We enjoyed VIP access to the saddling paddock.

After visiting the paddock, we were led down to the track between races.

With my hubby…I don’t think we have ever been this close to the track before!

Also got to hang out with Nicholle of Topknots And Pearls. We were in full-effect in full midi-skirts (outfit post to follow)!

It was so amazing to be this close to the horses and to meet the jockey’s. In this last collage, I was going to pose with the horse behind me, but he turned and nuzzled me! He was so incredibly sweet!

Thank you MeadsDurket and America’s Best Racing for two wonderful days at The Del Mar Racetrack!

Fashion Week San Diego 2015 Wrap Up

I know it’s been a little while since the Fashion Week San Diego 2015 runway and trunk shows, but I’m posting this wrap up to also announce that the winning designers will be hosting a “Mini Day of Fashion” at La Plaza in La Jolla on Sunday November 22, 2015 starting at 11am. There will be a brunch, a meet & greet with each of the designers: B.JASH.I, Tasanni, and Territa Torres; plus you’ll be able to shop their runway looks at 15% off garment prices. I’ll be there to support these talented ladies, and I hope to see you there, too! My wrap up of Fashion Week San Diego below includes highlights of night 1 of the runway show, the trunk show, and photos of the pop-up shop. Enjoy!

FWSD 2015 Runway Show Night 1

QUYNN Atelier

Sharlene Borromeo of A’Doreus with model Summer Nicole. That dress was so beautiful up close!

Alber Rezko Jewelry Designs with Nolan Dean Fashion. Lots of drama!

Nolan Dean Fashion

Tasanni’s final runway walk

With my fellow bloggers & stylists. After the show, I had a great time having a late dinner and chatting up a storm with writer Courtney Hartmann (bottom right).

My outfit for the evening, as taken by Jenna of Lucky Little Mustard Seed for her blog post “FWSD ‘Runway Show’ Style“. She so graciously named my outfit as one of her favorites of the evening (*squeal!*)…so just for Jenna, here is a shot of my United Nude shoes (below).

Outfit: Forever 21 sleeveless trench; H&M jumpsuit; Kate Spade necklace & bracelet; Vintage Prada bag; “Mona” glasses c/o Spy Optic

FWSD 2015 Trunk Show

With Sharlene of A’Doreus. I would love to wear a dress from her collection!

With Heather of The Stylish Bisou & designer Nikki Marie. Very cool retro styles!

My favorite dress of Tasanni’s runway show!

Another favorite by Lady Lane Desgins. I mean, how absolutely gorgeous is this gown!

A final picture from the trunk show, and beautiful models Leah Brown and fellow San Diego Style Blogger contributor, Tiffany Williams of the blog Glitz and Glam by Tiff

FWSD 2015 Winning Designers Pop-Up Shop at La Plaza in La Jolla

Beautiful dresses by B.JASH.I Couture

I love this little set by Territa Torres. She’ll be making a longer version of the top for off the runway!

Designers Marcie Bain (B.JASH.I); Fatsani Chikwana-Dogani (Tasanni) and Territa Torres

I took Dominic with me to visit the winning designers of FWSD 2015 at their pop-up shop in La Jolla. I bought a couple of items from B.JASH.I and Tasanni. I’ll be sure to feature them in a future blog post!

Had to include this picture of me with the designers, because it was taken by Dominic!

“Share a Pair, Win a Pair” to Help Tommy John Support Testicular Cancer Awareness

Every October, we celebrate awareness of women’s health, by highlighting education and support of those with breast cancer. November (or “Movember” as it has come to be known) is the month where we highlight men’s health, where men (and women) sport moustaches to also support awareness and education of diseases such as prostate and testicular cancer (my husband has previously shown his support for “Movember”, see the post here). To ensure we continue this important conversation, underwear brand Tommy John has teamed up with the Testicular Cancer Foundation (TCF) to raise awareness and provide education through their #SupportYourBalls campaign.

I attended the #VIPink Brunch in May in support of breast and ovarian health (post here), so I was more than happy to help support Tommy John + TCF with their campaign. Here are a few ways you can help bring awareness of testicular cancer throughout the month of November:

Tommy John will give 5% of all sales coming from their limited edition “Mustache and Ball” collection (pictured above and below) to TCF
Tommy John also will contribute $10 to TCF for each purchase made by new customers who were referred by someone else (also, if you refer a friend, they get a $20 credit; when your referral makes a purchase, you then get a $20 credit!)

Additionally, Tommy John will have an Instagram contest called “Share a pair, win a pair”. The contest runs until November 30, 2015 to start sharing your pairs to win!

Here’s my entry below, directly from my Instagram account, @any2ndnow. Thank you Tommy John for asking me to help bring awareness to men’s health, and to also support your wonderful campaign with the Testicular Cancer Foundation!

Spread Inspiration: #LiveAGreatStory

There are moments where I become overwhelmed thinking about life and how what we do everyday affects others. I’ve been listening to a lot of John Mayer lately, and moments like that make me think of the song Bigger Than My Body. As a mother, I know everything I do and say affects my son. He looks to me and my husband for guidance, and I want to inspire him to do great things, because this is the life you get, so live it in the best way you can. We all have something important to say, and we should all remember that as unique individuals, we can inspire by telling our stories.

Live A Great Story is a San Diego based apparel company that aims to “Spread Inspiration” through its clothing and create a movement. A percentage of their profits for their tanks and tees goes towards their “Story Fund”, reinvesting in those choosing to make a difference in their communities.

In addition to their line of clothing, Live A Great Story also has sticker and button packs to help spread inspiration anywhere and everywhere. For Any Second Now readers, they’ve created a special discount code: by entering the promo code ANY2NDNOW at check out you will receive a 30% discount when purchasing through www.liveagreatstory.com.

Be bigger than your body and get out there. Remember there is a whole world may not yet know your story, so make it a great one!

Outfit: Live A Great Story tank top (c/o); Say What? cardigan; Madewell jeggings; ASOS Dark Star sneakers; Kipling backpack; Unknown brand fedora; “Exciter” Depeche Mode necklace by Little Treasures by Mir; Warby Parker “Simone” in Tea Rose Fade

Cousins + sisters + sisters-in-law = family

FTC Disclosure: I received product and was asked to review the product in return. Although I did receive product, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

This Is Kit And Ace

A couple of months ago, I was invited by fellow blogger Vanessa Balli to her private Kit and Ace blogger party at Kettner Exchange. If you haven’t heard of Kit and Ace, it’s a brand created by Shannon and JJ Wilson, wife and son of Chip Wilson, founder of lululemon. Their stores (both online and brick & mortar) feature clothing that is sophisticated yet relaxed, which is at the very heart of athleisure. At Vanessa’s private event, Erica Hecht from Kit and Ace showed tops made of Technical Cashmere™, “a machine washable fabric engineered from cashmere and technical fibres, with added stretch”. We were each given a garment to take home, and I absolutely love the luxurious feel of the heather grey Prevost Sleeveless Turtleneck I selected (pictured in the outfit at the end of this post).

The night was simply lovely, hanging out with beautiful blogger friends having great food, relaxed (and often hilarious) conversation, lots of Periscoping and of course learning about Kit and Ace. Thank you Vanessa for inviting me! If you want to check out Technical Cashmere™ for yourself, Erica has opened up pop-up shop at The Forum Carlsbad, fully stocked with fantastic Kit and Ace clothing (I’m definitely stopping by). In the meantime, here are some pictures from our fun-filled night at Kettner Exchange, cheers!