Category Archives: Fashion Forward

15 Ways to Feel Fabulous this Winter From Daxon

I’m definitely feeling the effects of this strange winter, going from wonderfully warm to feeling the chill.  If you’re starting to feel the effects of winter, including catching a cold (like I did), Daxon has provided the readers of Any Second Now with some tips on how to feel fabulous!

If you haven’t already, it’s time to clear out your Autumn wardrobe and make room for hats, coats and thick woolly scarves. Winter is well and truly in full swing, and as usual in the UK, we are feeling the chill!

Sniffles, colds, darker evenings, shorter days, the frantic rush of the party season – this time of year can really take its toll. So how can you keep your mood up and your body healthy?

Even if the weather is a little dull and dreary, it doesn’t mean you have to be too! We’ve come up with some great tips to stay fabulous during the cold season, sure to chase away those winter blues. Complete one tip a day for fifteen days and let us know just how great you feel afterwards!

And if you feel inspired to try shapewear, have a look at our slimming effect range!

15 ways to feel fabulous

FTC Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.

This is the News: Sammy Dress for Less

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You know when you get wind of a great deal and you just want to share it with everyone?  That’s how I feel about the global online fashion retail company, Sammy Dress.  When they contacted me to check out their site, I was not only excited about their selection (women, men AND kids clothing, accessories and shoes), but about their prices as well.  I instantly fell in love with this newspaper print handbag, and the reviews seemed pretty favorable.  When it arrived in just 3 weeks (from China), I was really pleased that it was just as adorable in person as it was on their site.  It is big enough to be a small overnight bag, and large enough for a generously sized tote.  In fact, my mom loved it so much that she now wants one for her own!  With their highest price point being under $85 (the purse pictured is only $6.85!) , I’ll definitely be spreading the news about this fabulous retail find!

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Outfit:  Jolt jacket; New Orleans Saints t-shirt by Retro Sport; Red Engine jeans; Dolce Vita wedged booties; H&M belt; Newspaper Print handbag c/o Sammy Dress; Eva glasses in Sepia Kiss c/o BonLook

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

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: H&M Conscious

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After being sick for a few days earlier this week, my husband finally got me out of the house for some necessity shopping.  This included a trip to the grocery store and to our local mall.  We quickly stopped in at H&M before heading to Target, where I found an adorable sweatshirt (that cute number pictured above to go with my new YRU kitty flats) and some even cuter socks (not pictured).  I carry an H&M reusable bag with me everywhere as a quick “go to” bag for any kind of emergency, fashion or otherwise.  After being rung up, I asked the sales person to please use my reusable bag to house my new purchases.  He informed me that as a thank you for doing so, I received 15% off of my sweatshirt, and he gave me another coupon to use again on another item of my choice.  What a pleasant surprise!  H&M has made quite an effort to be a more sustainable company with their “H&M Conscious” campaign (I have a jacket from this line, worn here and here).  Like the discount I received for using my reusable bag, you can also receive coupons for taking part in their “Garment Collecting” initiative by bringing your used clothing to be repurposed to be either reworn, reused, or recycled (the stores have receptacles for the Garment Collecting).  I truly enjoyed receiving such a lovely little surprise for just my own small effort to be sustainable.  If you are shopping this weekend and find yourself near an H&M, maybe you can do the same.  Cheers!

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(Note:  This is not a sponsored post, and I was not approached by H&M to endorse their “H&M Conscious” campaign.  I am simply impressed by their sustainable fashion efforts, and wanted to share my experience with the readers of Any Second Now.)

New Year, New Look: An Instagram Contest by BonLook!

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Happy New Year all, I hope you had a safe and wonderful night!  As a BonLook Star Ambassador, I’m sharing with you all a very cool contest to start this new year off right.  BonLook is hosting an Instagram contest where the rules are simple:  Take a selfie, tag your picture with @BonLook and #MYBONLOOK and you are guaranteed to win one of several awesome prizes.  What could be easier?  Good luck and cheers to the new year!

New Year 2014 OOTD

(Outfit from last night’s New Year’s Eve festivities: Cotton On jacket, Mango shirt; Limited necklace; Eva glasses in Sepia Kiss c/o BonLook)

Photographs From 7 Image Salon’s First Annual Holiday Cocktail Party & Fashion Show

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A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to attend 7 Image Salon’s First Annual Holiday Cocktail Party and Fashion Show, with proceeds from their silent auction benefiting the Sproles Empowered Youth foundation.  The chic party featured a fashion show with apparel from La Jolla boutique Kerut and hair and makeup styled by 7 Image’s own talented team.  The event was hosted by Thomasina “Goo Goo” Atkins from WETV’s reality show, “The Mary Mary Show”.  It was quite the lovely evening, and I want to thank Alternative Strategies and 7 Image Salon for the invite.  Cheers!

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Because I arrived quite early, I was able to get some shots of the beautiful interior of 7 Image Salon. 

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Delicious goodies from the party.  That’s a mini lemon bunt cake next to my phone. Yum!

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With the evening’s host, Thomasina “Goo Goo” Atkins. She liked my Lexington Cardi I bought from Street Chic at the Vixen Pop Up Boutique.  She is such a sweetheart!

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Of all the fashions presented, this wedding gown stole the show (and the camouflage booties with the orange dress).

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Kerut Boutique’s display table. Lovely pieces!

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The silent auction items, where proceeds went towards the Sproles Empowered Youth Foundation.  Michel Sproles is the CEO, as well as the owner of 7 Image Salon (pictured with me below).  I was dying over the autographed Darren Sproles and Drew Brees jerseys (oh, and the Prada backpack)!

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7 Image Holiday Collage 6The ladies of the 7 Image Salon team.

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Look who I bumped into, fellow San Diego Style Blogger, Vanessa of Fashion Mixtape!

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Our gift from 7 Image: a lovely candle and Innie Minnie Mightie Bow nail polish by OPI (from their Couture De Minnie collection). So pretty!

My outfit details:  Lexington Cardi by Sage (from Street Chic); Libertine for Target dress; New Look shoes; J.Jill tassel necklace; Eva glasses in Sepia Kiss c/o BonLook

A Sea of Chanel: Designer Vault’s Vintage Designer Trunk Show

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 Picture #2 on the right was a display made of real shoes that was later auctioned during the public sale.

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A couple of Saturdays ago, I was invited to attend a VIP viewing of Designer Vault’s Vintage Designer Trunk Show, prior to opening to the public (Designer Vault is a luxury consignment e-boutique).  The event took place at The Headquarters at Seaport District (right next to Seaport Village on the waterfront in Downtown San Diego), in a creative meeting space called preFAB.  I have never been surrounded by so much Chanel in my entire life, except for maybe visiting the Chanel store at the Wynn hotel in Las Vegas.  Celebrity stylists Daniel Musto and local stylist Dean Hall (of Hall & Saks) were on hand to help create the perfect look for patrons, and a percentage of the sales went towards Promises2Kids.  I had a great time window shopping all of the beautiful designer treasures, as well as hanging out with stylists, fashionistas and fellow San Diego Style Bloggers.  One of the highlights of the day was finally meeting Cindy Matalucci of The Pulse, her “interview style” marketing company.  Thank you to Andrea Landis with Designer Vault for the invite!  There are quite a few pictures to get through, but it is SO worth it because Chanel is so lovely to behold.  Enjoy!

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Designer Vault Owner Christina Samoylov, with celebrity stylist, Daniel Musto.

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Although there were many other designers to choose from to fit your haute couture needs, my senses were working overtime because of all of the Chanel.  The following pictures are of my favorite pieces.

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The purses above are all mini, and completely adorable.

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This patterned houndstooth Chanel in tweed was so incredibly stunning up close.

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I could not stop coming back to this beautiful vintage tote in navy blue caviar leather.  Someday!

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Another lovely, but this time in navy patent leather with silver hardware…

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I had to carry it because it was just too beautiful (and it matched my outfit)!

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Maria of Savvynista looking absolutely fabulous in a gorgeous Chanel coat.

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With the lovely Cindy of The Pulse.  I was so excited to finally meet her!

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Maria, Cindy, Daniel with Vanessa of Vanessa Balli.

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With local stylist Dean Hall of Hall & Saks.  So awesome to meet him as well!

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With Abigail of The Fabulous Life of a Natural Disaster.  Between myself, Abigail and Cindy, it truly was a furry vest kind of day!

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This Chanel burlap briefcase goes wonderfully with Abigail’s outfit!

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With Heidi of A Fashion Statement.

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My poor boys!  We planned to spend the day together after the trunk show, and I ended up staying the entire length of the VIP showing.  They were troopers waiting for me to finish up, and we finally headed out for lunch and some fun at Seaport Village next door.  I love them!

My outfit details:  Aqua vest (Bloomingdale’s, but similar here); The Limited Perfect Tee (currently only $10!); Buffalo Jeans from JC Penney; unknown brand suede over the knee boots (from eBay, only $40!); Topshop purse; Suki Bijoux necklace; London Underground cuff c/o Designhype; Eva glasses in Sepia Kiss c/o BonLook

Shall We Shop at Madewell? Bien Sûr!

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Last Thursday, a few San Diego Style Bloggers were invited to preview Madewell’s new collection at their University Town Center location in La Jolla.  In addition to shopping, we were treated to sweet treats and drinks while we put together holiday looks.  I arrived right at 6pm, which allowed me to take a few pictures before meeting up with some of my fellow #SDStyleBloggers.  I shopped just a little, grabbing some good deals on a little bit of bling.  After the holiday, I’ll be sure to indulge a bit more, and that Bien Sûr sweater is at the top of my list.  Thanks to Joseph and Lauren at Madewell UTC for a wonderful night!

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Adorable gift ideas on their “Gift Well” table!

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My favorite sweater (Bien Sûr is French for “of course!”)

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With Paulina of Lil Bits of Chic, Lisa of Mona Lisa Marie and Laura of Laura Neuzeth (Vanessa of Fashion Mixtape and Tuyaymya of White Tee Black Dress arrived after I left).  I’m wearing the Skinny Skinny pants in Stitchdot by Madewell (still available on sale!).

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A close up of my Madewell pants, and my little bag filled with the new goodies I bought.  Contents below!

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Love my dainty new bling: matching necklace and bracelet, the Glider Ring (sold out online), and the Mini-bow ring.

The Ideal Blogging Community: San Diego Style Bloggers

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I can’t say enough about what a wonderful community we have in the San Diego Style Bloggers.  Not only do we see each other at events, but we stay connected with each other through social media and even in our personal lives.  Because of these new friendships, we’ve now started to attend events to support our fellow local fashion and style bloggers, as I did right after my day at Flower Hill Promenade.  I took my sister to Shimmer at Plaza Bonita Mall to get her Christmas present, specifically in support of the Mingle & Jingle Holiday Shopping Event hosted by Alessandra of Alessandra Gonzalez and Tuyaymya of White Tee Black Dress.  Also in show of support was Laura of Laura Neuzeth.  If you are a San Diego style/fashion/lifestyle blogger, or know someone who is, please be sure to join the San Diego Style Bloggers network/community!

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Alessandra and Tuyaymya showing their holiday looks.  Black and sparkly?  Yes!

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Tuyaymya, Laura and Alessandra

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With Laura and Tuyaymya (photo taken by Alessandra)

A December Deal from emma jane, just in time for New Year’s Eve!

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If you’re already thinking about your plans and your outfit for New Year’s Eve, emma jane has a little something to help you get started!  emma jane has a December “Scratch and Shop” promotion.  Stop by either location during the month of December, and you’ll get a “Scratch and Shop” discount card, and you can get a discount with savings up to 30% off everything in the store!

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Here are their locations and hours.  Happy shopping!

Mission Hills
928 Fort Stockton Dr Ste 115
San Diego, CA 92103
619.692.3802
Hours: Tues – Sat 10-6
La Jolla
7643 Girard Ave Ste C
La Jolla, CA 92037
858.412.6691
Hours: Mon – Sat 10-5 & 
Sun 10-4
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FTC disclosure:  This is not a sponsored post.

 

Fashion Blogger Day at Flower Hill Promenade

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This post is just the first of a flurry of events I have attended in the last couple of weeks, which means I’ll be posting something everyday this week!  This event was a couple of weeks ago, and was at Flower Hill Promenade in Del Mar.  We pass this mall whenever we take a trip to Los Angeles, or whenever we go to the San Diego County Fair.  I’ve been to this mall a couple of times in the past, but never ventured deeper than a restaurant or the movie theater, and I haven’t been there since their renovations (for instance, that movie theatre is now a Whole Foods).  When an invite was posted on the San Diego Style Bloggers blog to check out their newest boutiques called “The Row”, I jumped at the chance to see what’s new.

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Our day began with delicious drinks and starters, courtesy of Sea & Smoke.  There, we met up with Heidi and Lauren of J Public Relations and a couple of ladies with Flower Hill Promenade.  We had a tartine with cheese, spinach, and figs, and a lovely selection of meats, cheeses and nuts.  The drinks were a citrus spritzer, along with my staple of coffee.  All of it was perfect, light and delicious.

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The Lexington Cardi by Street Chic.  Outfit post to come!

Of the five bloggers present, I hung out with Bianca of The In Between Girls, and a new addition to the San Diego Style Bloggers network, Abigail of The Fabulous Life of a Natural Disaster.  When we were given our itineraries, the three of us immediately wanted to go to the same place first:  Vixen Pop Up Boutique!  We were greeted by owner Vanessa Johnson, who gifted us with cute little friendship bracelets made by a local surfer.  The space is quite large and full of fashionable items from clothing, to accessories, to home goods.  We also got to meet Alison Choi, founder and owner of Street Chic, who had some real estate in Vixen, stocked with her fabulous clothing and jewelry, in addition to some curated items.  I bought the Lexington Cardi, pictured above.

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1. Vanessa, owner of Vixen, with Abigail and Bianca, choosing their bracelets; 2. My picks.

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With Bianca and Abigail at Vixen.

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Vixen Collage 4Vixen Collage 3Because the weather started to deteriorate, we had to limit our visit to the shops immediately around us.  I couldn’t take too many pictures of the shops upstairs because the rain really started to come down.  Below are the few pictures of the shops we actually went into prior to the weather change.  Rest assured that this won’t be my last visit to the Flower Hill Promenade.  Thank you to J Public Relations and Flower Hill Promenade for hosting a fashionable and fun day!

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Love this seating area in Lone Flag, which is a concept space and shop, filled with high quality core products ranging from homeware to clothing, shoes, and accessories for both men and women.

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Rais Case 2 (1280x960) (2)Rais Case & Mr. B’s Luminaries are two different shops sharing the same space.  Rais Case presents pieces made with repurposed materials to make unique accessories.  Mr. B’s Luminaries offers all natural, individually hand poured candles, good for you and the earth.  Both very green endeavors!

Van De Vort Collage

Van de Vort showcases lovely statement pieces, encompassing the style of the California woman.  That dress is adorable, and I love the couch, very elegant!