Category Archives: Fashion Forward

walk on air…

walk on air...
I’ve always felt that bridesmaid dresses should be re-purposed.  When I got married, my bridesmaids all wore dresses that they each picked out individually so the styles were different, but were uniform in color.  I asked that they purchased ones they could wear more than once, so they would feel they spent their money wisely.  I was inspired by Weddington Way to style one of their chiffon bridesmaids dresses for a fun springtime date outfit, because it shows that the bridesmaid dress doesn’t have to live forever in your closet like Katherine Hiegl’s character in 27 Dresses!
I was inspired by the perfume shaped little clutch purse from Kate Spade called “Walk on Air” because chiffon dresses are definitely light, airy and flow gracefully when walking.  To continue the light and airy theme, I chose accessories that where equally just as fun as the purse, like the floral shoes by Poetic Licence, sparkly pink glitter nail polish by Ciate and the fantastic “In the Shade” bracelet, again by Kate Spade.  This outfit makes me just want to skip around and twirl!

Sloaney, Sweetie
ciatelondon.com

Dress
weddingtonway.com

Just Put Yourself in My New Shoes

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I apologize for the extremely sporadic posts lately.  I’m trying to re-establish a blogging schedule, because I actually do have quite a bit to post!  And because my life has been a bit chaotic, I’ve been living in flats lately, my newest additions being these awesome ballet ones from Tieks.  I posted about my first pair of these ever-so-comfy ballet flats last year (here & here).  In addition to the California Navy ones, I now own a pair each of the Burgundy (pictured above) and the Matte Black (pictured below).  I can take all my Tieks anywhere I go because they have a foldable split sole which means they travel extremely well (the Black Matte pair are with me everywhere).

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What I appreciate the most about Tieks, outside of being the most convenient and comfortable shoes on the planet, is their customer service.  Their “Blue Prints” are always packaged in the most adorable box and adorned with a flower, and the notes they send are always personal and lovely.  If you haven’t tried a pair of these portable ballet flats, I highly recommend them.  Cheers!

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FTC Disclosure:  I received a generous discount from Tieks as a courtesy, but not as compensation for this post.  Although I did receive a discount, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

(Check me out on the Tieks Portrait page!)

Tiels Portrait Page

(Title of this post is a lyric from “Sleeping Lessons” by The Shins.)

Fashion Sobriety: Reformation of a Shopaholic

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Life has thrown my family a few curve-balls that I didn’t see coming, which has caused me to reassess what’s important.  I know my blogging has been quite sporadic lately, and it’s because I have been trying to manage things in life that are outside of fashion, family outings and leisurely meals.  To ensure I keep my head above water and that I really and truly understand what’s important for myself and my family, I have decided to stop shopping for one year and undergo what I’m calling “Fashion Sobriety”.

I am the worst kind of impulse shopper.  I see lovely things and I want to buy them, and I try in all manner of ways to justify the purchase.  Being more in tune in the fashion industry in the last five years with my blog has made me realize how much fashion cycles and reinvents itself.  Why not do the same for my own closet for just one year?  Rather than buy something new once I see a trend, I should be going into my closet and seeing if I have the pieces needed to complete the look.  Do I have a basic pencil skirt that I could wear with anything?  Rather than four trendy trench coats, I shouldn’t I just have one good classic one?  Do I really need six pairs of black pumps?

I mean, I like shopping. Is there anything so wrong with that?
I mean, stores are put there to enjoy.
The experience is enjoyable… well, more than enjoyable. It’s beautiful.
The sheen of silk, draped across a mannequin.
The smell of new Italian leather shoes.
The rush you feel when you swipe your card and it’s approved, and it all belongs to you.
The joy you feel when you’ve bought something and it’s just you and the shopping.
All you have to do is hand over a little card.
Isn’t that the best feeling in the world?
Don’t you wanna shout it from the mountaintops?
And you feel so confident and alive, and happy, and warm.

-Rebecca Bloomwood, Confessions of a Shopaholic

Even though my birthday is next month, I have decided to start my “Fashion Sobriety” now.  So here are some self-imposed rules I have come up with to manage my year of “Fashion Sobriety”.

  • I must purge my closet, consolidate & edit all of my apparel, accessories, purses and shoes down.
    • I will donate or sell any items I no longer want as needed.
  • I cannot shop (meaning exchange of money at an actual store or online) for any new apparel, accessories, purses and shoes for myself for the duration of one year starting April 6, 2015.
    • I can shop for my son, husband, and others as needed.
  • I can shop for other things such as food, toys, music related items (that are not clothing), anything recreational or that is a necessity that is not related to clothing.
  • I can receive fashion related items as a gift from friends and relatives.

As a blogger, I have to include the fact that I do review and give opinions on fashion items, so I have worked in a couple of rules related to blogging.

  • I can receive fashion related items if they are for review for my blog. 
    • I can only purchase if I am given a coupon (or coupon code) for a discount or a gift card if it is directly related to a review.

I think that covers it!  I’ll definitely be tracking my year of “Fashion Sobriety” here on the blog, so I hope you’ll all follow along.  Cheers!

(Top photo courtesy of Quote to Remember)

Neiman Marcus: The Spring 2015 Trend Event

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Last month, Neiman Marcus at Fashion Valley Mall held a wonderful luncheon for bloggers and stylists to present “The Trend Event”, showcasing fashion must-haves for spring 2015.  Neiman Marcus is always on point with their wonderful events, and this was no exception.  Stylist Alex Yanez put together such a great show with way too many pieces to love and die for that all I can do is simply let the pictures speak for themselves.  Find below the list of looks for the 2015 spring season, and thank you Neiman Marcus for hosting another spectacular event!

THE NEW BOHEMIAN:  Jet set meets gypsy in boho blouses and tunics, distressed denim, embroidery and maxi dresses

FRINGE:  Swings from bags, jackets, skirts and more

SPICE-MARKET COLORS:  Paprika, cayenne, saffron, sage…

SUMMER SUEDE:  Lightweight luxe for accessories and apparel, too

FLAT SANDALS:  The highest form of flattery

LONG, LAYERED NECKLACES:  Full permission to mix metals and stones

THE BUCKET BAG:  Pulls everything together

ALL WHITES:  From bright to sandy beige

MIX, DON’T MATCH:  Print, pattern, and texture play well together

SLEEVELESS JACKETS:  The last word in layering

COMING UP ROSES:  The perennial favorite is making beauty news

NM Spring Preview Collage 2

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Favorite bag #1 by Judith Leiber.  The rocker in me NEEDS this!

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Favorite bag #2. The side fringe is funky and fun, yet chic and elegant. Beautiful!

NM Spring Preview Collage 1

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My favorite look of the day.  Adorable!

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Alex with all of the models

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Our gifts from Neiman Marcus

And Everybody Wants a Hat

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I love hats the way I love glasses: they are both fashionable and functional.  So I was very happy when I was asked to review this Scala Collezione Rain Hat, because many of my own hats were not made for inclement San Diego weather, which is mostly in the form of rain.  This cute “one-size-fits-all” hat is made of nylon with an adorable polka-dotted lining.  It rained a couple of times this year so far, and I was glad to have this hat handy, especially now that I’m coloring my hair more regularly.  It’s completely packable and comes in four colors (black, charcoal, khaki and I have on the wine).  I’d say overall, this is the perfect little hat to keep any fashionista free from bad hair days during less than perfect weather.  Cheers!

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IMG_4927 - Copy resizeFTC 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.

(Title of this post is a lyric from “Pulling Mussels [From The Shell]” by Squeeze.)

Fashionably Late

Any Second Now has evolved into more of a lifestyle blog, but fashion is one of my passions.  I want and will continue to make sure I incorporate fashion and style in this blog, as much as I do all of my other activities.  Here a brief recap of some fashion events I attended last year that I didn’t get the chance to do a full blog post on, and then stay tuned for more fashion posts, including events and outfits.  Cheers!

VANESSA BALLI’S EXCLUSIVE A-LIST EVENT (at Aldo on 5/29/2014)

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With the beautiful Vanessa Balli herself!

THE CUSP EVENT (at Neiman Marcus on 9/20/2014)

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Kimberly Cunningham & Alex Yanez hosting

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San Diego Style Bloggers, from Left to right: Ashley Lopez (Array of Style), Heidi (The Altered Style), Vanessa Barnes (Fashion Mixtape), Brandee Joyner (The Kurvy Life), Moi, Tanya Rivas (La Bella Tanchi), Bianca Vaccarini (The In Between Girls), Vanessa Balli (Vanessa Balli)

FALL FASHION IN THE VALLEY (9/24/2014)

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With Maria Van Losch (Savvynista) & Laura (Laura Neuzeth)

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Those boots were to die for! (All Saints)

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Yoga performance by Arco Yoga, presented by Lululemon

Bloggers from Fashion Valley Facebook page (2)

Bloggers from Left to Right: Heidi (The Altered Style), Tiffany Williams (Glitz and Glam), Nihan Gorkem (Style With Nihan), Maria Van Losch (Savvynista), Moi, Laura (Laura Neuzeth), Bianca Rose (B Rose)

(Photo courtesy of Fashion Valley’s Facebook Page)

FASHION WEEK SAN DIEGO (10/3/2014, 10/4/2014 & 10/5/2014)

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With my cousin, Regi (10/3/2014)

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With my best friend Janice (10/4/2014)

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FWSD 2014 Top Designer Winner, A’Doreus (Trunk Show 10/5/2014)

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Angie from 55,000 Dresses

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Designer Victoria Roberts of Wish Now Designs with one of her models

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Designer Dahn Ta

WEARABLES WORKSHOP (Presented by FWSD 11/16/2014)

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Jack Young from Qualcomm

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Daniel Obodovski, The Silent Intelligence

FWSD Wearables 2014 Collage

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This workshop discussed wearable technology and it’s growing presence in the fashion industry.

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The FWSD Wearables Workshop panelists

VINTAGE CHANEL TRUNK SHOW (Presented by Designer Vault 11/20/2014)

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This fantastic vintage Chanel trunk show was presented by Designer Vault, and benefited the charity Promises2Kids.

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Electric violinist, Jennifer Spingola, provided the music for the evening.

IMG_4238 (2) (1280x1280)Having fun with Vanessa Balli!

Styling a "Destination Downton" Wedding for Lover.ly!

Destination Downton for Lover.ly
Season 5 of Downton Abbey has just started.  My best friend Janice and I have discussed what it would be like to plan a wedding there because we recently found out that Highclere Castle (the location of Downton Abbey), would be available not only for tours, but for engagement parties, receptions and weddings!  If I could do it all again and plan another wedding to my loving hubby, I would invite a small party and have it at Highclere Castle.  So it was perfect timing to be contacted by the folks at Lover.ly to choose and style my ideal wedding dress for my dream destination wedding.
Lover.ly is your one-stop-shop for wedding planning where brides and grooms find ideas, people to hire and things to buy.
I’m very partial to dresses with a slight sleeve.  But because my dream wedding would be at Highclere Castle, I also wanted a wedding dress that looked like it was straight out of the 1920’s.  With that in mind, I actually chose two dresses because of the different retro feel of each and styled everything through Lover.ly.  What’s great about Lover.ly is that it truly is a “one-stop-shop” for all wedding needs, and their search feature provided me with so many options on gowns, accessories, shoes and everything you need to complete your ultimate dream wedding day.  It’s really up to you on how you want to design it, and with Lover.ly, you are only limited by your imagination.  Thanks again to the folks at Lover.ly for this fun styling challenge, and I’m definitely recommending them to friends who want an easy and fun way to plan their future weddings!

Doing Good, Does You Good: The LookmaticGood Partnership Program

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As a blogger, I love to partner with brands that have the same passion and drive that I do.  Within that passion and drive, there is also the desire to do well and feel good about it.  I love the way a well put together outfit feels on me and I make sure everything is cohesive, top to bottom, from my glasses down to my shoes.  And if this inspires someone out there to do the same to make themselves feel good, then I feel I’ve gotten my message through.

Lookmatic brings the concept of feeling good to their “LookmaticGOOD Partnership Program.”  I bought my first pair of Lookmatic glasses earlier this year (Tippi, pictured above), and they have been my “go to” pair because of the flattering cat eye style, feeling both modern and retro at the same time.  Since I’ve received numerous compliments while wearing them, why shouldn’t I share where I got them with anyone that asks so that they can find that perfect pair that fits them as well?

In the LookmaticGOOD Partnership Program, you can be rewarded for doing simply what feels good and sharing it with people you know (and even those you don’t know).  In the program as a GOOD Ambassador, not only would you be an advocate for Lookmatic’s products and services and help them to create a stronger presence online and offline in your region by sharing content on your existing social media networks and blog, but you can actively do more with Lookmatic by providing product feedback and insight directly to them, get advanced notice of new style releases and earn money as a result of your efforts!

I’m already a part of this wonderful program, so I’ll continue to share more information in upcoming posts.  If you would like to join, you can register at http://good.lookmatic.com/partnership/. Cheers!

FTC Disclosure:  I received product as compensation for this post.  Although I did receive compensation, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

Sparkle & Shine in Chanel from Chairish

Sparkle & Shine in Chanel from Chairish
Since it’s that time of year for holiday posts, I’ve got a few fun ones coming up, including this one I did for the site Chairish.  Chairish is a curated site for design lovers to buy and sell vintage items such as furniture, decor, and even jewelry and accessories.  They’ve asked a few bloggers to come up with a style board featuring items from their jewelry section under the themes of “Sparkle and Shine”, “Silver and Gold” or “Old and New”.  Since I’ve recently purchased a vintage Chanel necklace, I created a style board focusing on how I would style some of their beautiful Chanel pieces for a night out under the theme “Sparkle and Shine”.  My outfit would be simple and all black, but with texture.  The dress is black, but with a subtle pattern, the shoes are patent leather, then I topped it off with a faux fur stole for a more luxurious feel.  This will allow any of the pieces pictured to shine.  Although a black Chanel bag is classic, a pink or cream one are great style alternatives.  Thank you Chairish for this fun challenge!

Issa circle skirt
stylebop.com

Christian Louboutin high heel pumps
$665 – net-a-porter.com

Chanel bag
chairish.com

Chanel jewelry
chairish.com

Chanel pendant
chairish.com

Chanel earrings
chairish.com

Chanel chain brooch
chairish.com

Ariella black shawl
$65 – johnlewis.com

Giveaway: Win a $50 Gift Certificate from PinkBasis!

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The lovely folks at PinkBasis have given me a $50 gift certificate to give away to one lucky Any Second Now reader!  They’ve got so many cute clothes, shoes and accessories, it will be easy to put that $50 to good use.  The dress I styled above is the Black Sleeveless V Neck Dress, and is still available on their site.

Just comment below and you’ll be entered (the giveaway is also on Instagram here)!

The contest ends November 24, 2014 and I’ll announce the winner here on the blog and on Instagram.

Good luck to all!

Outfit details – Houndstooth Candies jacket (old); Vintage Judith Leiber clutch purse; Enzo Angiolini ‘Coadi’ Cross Strap Pointy Toe Pump from Nordstrom Rack in houndstooth; Black Sleeveless V Neck Dress c/o PinkBasis

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.

(The contest is open to US residents only.)

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