Category Archives: Fashion Forward

Fashion Week San Diego Tickets Giveaway From Lil Bits of Chic

This month is brimming to the rim with news from and about all the Fashion Weeks happening around the globe. Locally, San Diego has it’s own Fashion Week, which starts September 30th and runs until October 6th. All of the details can be found at the official site, Fashion Week SD, where you can purchase tickets to support San Diego’s emerging designers. I’ll be attending all of the runway shows, along with many of my fellow San Diego Style Bloggers. Paulina Mo, of Lil Bits of Chic and founder of San Diego Style Bloggers, has a fantastic contest on her blog. In addition to her awesome coverage of the press preview of the designers that will be showcased during FWSD, she has been given two tickets to give away! If you are local to San Diego and would like a chance to win tickets to FWSD, please visit her blog at the link below. Good luck and hope you had a great weekend!

Fashion Week SD Preview & GIVEAWAY on Lil Bits of Chic

(Photo courtesy of Lil Bits of Chic)

Give Back in Style: Fashion in the Valley on September 19, 2013

New York Fashion Week kicked off yesterday, launching a frenzy of fashion at every turn. If you are a fashion enthusiast, you know the Spring 2014 collections will be showcased during this time, but I’m ready to beat this heat and start thinking about fall!

Fashion Valley will be hosting a wonderful fall fashion event on September 19, 2013 called “Fashion in the Valley”, which will be from 6pm-8pm at the Macy’s Center Court. Enjoy some bubbly while watching fall trends from stores like Ted Baker London, Tous, The Limited, Tommy Hilfiger, Banana Republic, Stuart Weitzman, White House | Black Market and many others. Fashion Valley is also partnering with Hard Rock Hotel San Diego and Father Joe’s Villages to give back through the COMPASSION ROCKS Clothing Drive, which benefits the homeless residents of Father Joe’s Villages. This campaign kicks off on Thursday, September 12, 2013 and runs through Thursday, September 26, 2013. Donation barrels will be available at Fashion Valley and will be located at Old Navy and at the Guest Services booth throughout the duration of the clothing drive.

If you are one of the first 50 attendees who donate new or gently used clothing for the COMPASSION ROCKS Clothing Drive on the night of September 19th, you can grab a front row seat at the fashion show (one per donor)! Additionally, the first 200 attendees will be treated to swag bags filled with discounts, coupons and other Fashion Valley goodies.

I’ll be there, and I hope to see you there as well as Fashion Valley begins their season of giving back…in style!

A Shimmering Night of Fun: San Diego Style Bloggers Celebrates One Year!

The second event I attended last Friday was the San Diego Style Bloggers one year “blogiversary” celebration at Shimmer in the Plaza Bonita Mall. I can’t believe it’s already been a year for The San Diego Style Bloggers! I arrived a bit late as I was coming from the emma jane opening, but I still got there in time for the raffle and of course, to celebrate and party with my fellow bloggers. The San Diego Style Bloggers is such a wonderful community, and I have met and am meeting new friends at each event. In addition to the raffle and yummy treats, there was a style challenge on Instagram, where bloggers were asked to style three outfits from Shimmer’s fabulous selection (tagged with #iheartshimmer). Also, Bellus Academy was on hand to provide hair styling and manicures for everyone. It definitely was a fun way to end my evening, and I’m so proud to be a part of such a wonderful blogging community. Thank you San Diego Style Bloggers contributors (Alessandra of Alessandra Gonzalez, Paulina of Lil Bits of Chic, Jess of A Glam Diary, Tuyaymya of White Tee Black Dress and Lisa of Mona Lisa Marie) and Judy, owner of Shimmer, for a wonderful soiree. I took a bunch of pictures of the evening, and also check out the awesome vlog post of the event by Laura of Laura Neuzeth below. Hope you have a great weekend!

Group photo courtesy of Judy of Shimmer.

Eating, chatting, and social media…must be a blogger party!

Tuyaymya calling out raffle prizes.

Vanessa of Fashion Mixtape won a cute cosmetics bag.

Bloggers, taking pictures of bloggers, taking videos of bloggers.

With Judy of Shimmer. Isn’t she just so beautiful?

With Jea of Dainty Jea. We’re both BonLook Star Ambassadors, and we’re wearing…BonLook glasses! I’m wearing La Marquise and Jea is wearing the Honeybadger.

The lovely Laura of Laura Neuzeth with the “Bloggers do it better” tank by Tuyaymya.

Eunice of Beautifully Fashioned with Paulina of Lil Bits of Chic

Lisa of Mona Lisa Marie, Eunice, Paulina & Alessandra of Alessandra Gonzalez

Vanessa, Nahomi of Nuestro Wonderland, Lisa, and Jea

I had to get this funny group picture in with our usual poses. Bloggers just wanna have fun, too!

“Bloggers do it better tank” c/o Tuyaymya of White Tee Black Dress. Gift bag of goodies c/o Shimmer.

I was doing a selfie with my new tank, when I was suddenly photo bombed by my hubby. Gotta love that man!

Vlog post by Laura. Love this! And, you can hear me say “Bloggers taking pictures of bloggers, taking pictures of bloggers”. Great job Laura!

Red Flag

Ever since I saw the beautiful outfits by Alex Yanez at the Fall Fashion Preview a couple of weekends ago, presented by Neiman Marcus at the Blogger Bruncheon (original post here), I have been obsessed with incorporating red into my wardrobe. I’m so happy that fall is approaching, because I intend on finding a red suit to pair with my leopard print shoes, just like the outfit in the “Red, The New Neutral” portion of the fashion show. In the meantime, I wore my red plaid pants to bring out the red of my new favorite purse: The Union Jack fringe tote from Bubbles Boutique. I love that I can either carry it, or use it as a cross-body. I wore many British items to accompany my new bag, including my London map ring and London Underground cuff. Can you tell I miss London?

I’m not sure how many of you out there remember the group Red Flag, but they began as a new wave synth-pop band back in the 80’s, originally from Liverpool, who eventually settled in San Diego. I saw them play at UCSD for free when the “Broken Heart” single was released back in 1988, but I lost track of them after that. They have since updated their sound to be darker and more electronic. I hope they tour again, because I would love to see them in concert!

Outfit – B_envied shirt (purchased at Shimmer); Tinsel Town jeans; Miista “May” ankle boots; H&M hat; Suki Bijoux necklace & rings; Michael Kors watch; Nu_G British Flag Fringe tote c/o Bubbles Boutique (my post about Bubbles Boutique here); iSee glasses c/o GlassesUSA; London Underground cuff c/o designHype

“Broken Heart” by Red Flag 12″ single is from my personal collection

emma jane Boutique & Bridal Grand Opening

This weekend was a whirlwind of events, starting on Friday with the grand opening of emma jane Boutique & Bridal in La Jolla. Prior to the public grand opening, a few special guests and bloggers were invited to take in the new space. I love the open feel of the new store and all of the lovely details, which complimented the fabulous fashion. Additionally, the La Jolla location has a separate bridal shop with pieces by Nicole Miller. I was able to snap a few pictures of the shop before the doors officially opened, but I had to leave right before the fashion show. Luckily for you, some of my fellow San Diego Style Bloggers were present, so check out their blogs for more pictures and details from the whole event (links at the end of this post).

Thank you Holly (of GlamourMash and Vertical PR) for the invite, and be sure to check out emma jane for a simply chic shopping experience!

I love beautiful dressing rooms. Isn’t this one just gorgeous?

All of the furniture and fixtures in the store are things I would put in my own home. I loved everything (especially that white cross-body bag)!

Did you know there is a section for gentlemen, called “ej for men”? Those are Hudson Jeans. I’m going to bring my hubby next time!

I spy Suki Bijoux!

Live painting by artist Annie Hardy. Love the San Diego skyline one.

At the photo op area with San Diego Style Bloggers Jade of These Days and Amber of Face It Catalog. Also present was Daniel of Seamed.

(Photo courtesy of Face It Catalog)

Our lovely gift bags filled with goodies from emma jane!

Posts about the emma jane grand opening:

La Jolla Village Welcomes emma jane Boutique – Seamed

Fashion Night Out: emma jane – Face It Catalog

oh emma jane – These Days

Back to School

Check out my niece, Mei-Lin…how absolutely cool is she? She’s always wearing my shoes and we love to do our nails together. Yes it’s true, she has watched me take many an outfit picture, so I know many of these poses are compliments of moi. But really, she is just a natural. This is the outfit she wore on the first day of school this week (2nd grade), and she is on point with being “Rocker Chic”. Mei-Lin is as smart as she is beautiful, and saying I’m a proud aunt is an understatement.

Outfit – All H&M

Photos by Rholnna Jiao

Grand Opening Friday August 23rd 2013: emma jane Boutique & Bridal in La Jolla

It’s going to be quite a busy Friday for me! I’m excited to be celebrating the first year anniversary of The San Diego Style Blog. But before that, I’ll be attending the grand opening of emma jane Boutique & Bridal’s new La Jolla store! One of my favorite indie jewelry designers, Suki Bijoux, has some of her pieces at the Mission Hills location, so I’m excited to see what’s on display in the La Jolla one!

Check out all of the details in the flier below. Be sure to get there early to claim your gift bag of goodies and to see the fashion show. Hope to see you there!

Beautiful Bits & Bobbles at Bubbles Boutique

Shopping is always a favorite pastime of mine, and part of living in San Diego means shopping in beautiful places. Once of those places is a shop in Downtown’s Gaslamp District called Bubbles Boutique. I first was introduced to Bubbles Boutique when I attended my first San Diego Style Bloggers event last year (original post here), and it’s where I met and befriended one of my favorite independent jewelry designers, Suki of Suki Bijoux. Other than the fabulous fashions and accessories, I simply adore the eclectic décor. There are so many delicate details and it reminds me of a lovely French boudoir.

I visited Bubbles Boutique again last Saturday, and after some much-needed retail therapy, I chatted with owner Gayleen Nichols about her fabulously sophisticated, yet fun and unique boutique.

How long have you owned your own boutique, and how did you get started in the business?

I have been in business for over 10 years. The idea of opening a retail shop came when a friend opened a franchise shop called Splash Bath & Body. I fell in love with the concept and the products. I took a leap of faith and left my corporate property management job, sold everything and moved to San Diego from Long Beach.

How did you come to the decision to own your own boutique/business? How did you come up with the name of your boutique?

After 2 years it became apparent I would need to sell more to keep the doors open. This was against the franchise guidelines so we parted ways and I became Bubbles…a Unique Boutique.

What would you say is your “style” and how is that reflected in what you have to offer?

What has emerged after 10 years is a new tag line that speaks my style: “Eclectic fashion for every mood”.

I think fashion is an expression of our thoughts and feelings. Somedays I want to be funky , retro, biker chic and Audry Hepburn. I don’t believe one has to dress the same every single day. Mixing it up keeps it fresh and fun!

I buy with an eye for the unusual. You know…that keeper piece in the closet. I receive many compliments every day about what a fun shop and customers often thank us for having a really fun shopping experience.

How do you choose who to feature in your store as far as independent designers/jewelers are concerned?

A big part of my niche market is featuring over a dozen local artists who create amazing jewelry and accessories. My business is driven largely by tourism and it is exciting to offer keepsakes other than San Diego shirts and mugs.

Suki Bijoux

What do you like best about what you do?

I love what I do because it provides an outlet for the creative side in me. I put much energy into merchandising in a fun way that is enjoyed by my customers.

I am blessed each and every day with the opportunity to meet people from all parts of the world. The reward is in helping women feel awesome about themselves and encouraging them to step outside the fashion rut box.

I absolutely love, love, LOVE this display!

Thank you Gayleen for taking the time to chat with me! After you shop til you drop at Bubbles Boutique, please make sure to stay connected with them through their official site, Facebook page and on Instagram.

226 5th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101 619-236-9003

[email protected]

Waffles, Fall Fashion & Fun: A Blogger Brunch!

This past Sunday, I had the wonderful honor and privilege to be a part of a Fall Fashion Blogger Bruncheon presented by The US Grant Hotel, Neiman Marcus Fashion Valley and J Public Relations. It was held at the beautiful and historic US Grant Hotel in Downtown San Diego at their Grant Grill, and began with a delicious waffle brunch and much mingling with my fellow bloggers. I immediately sat with my pals Jennifer of Malcriada and Vanessa of Fashion Mixtape, as it has been a little while since I had seen these lovely ladies. Also at our table was Paulina, Alessandra, Tuyaymya, all who have their own blogs, but also contribute to the San Diego Style Bloggers official blog. Rounding out our table was Mark Higginbotham, director of Sales & Marketing at The US Grant Hotel, and the ladies of J Public Relations. I was also excited to meet Laura Martell, who wrote Gentleman Norman: How To Be A Man. I remember seeing her on KUSI and it was fun to meet her in person. I was also very happy to finally meet Gretchen and Britt of Nubry. They are as beautiful in person as they are on their blog. And of course, it was great to see familiar faces of bloggers I’ve met, and to meet new blogger friends!

Brunch at The Grant Grill was one of the best I’ve had in San Diego. Other than the signature cocktail, the waffle bar was by far the best part of the meal, especially after Mark described all of the wonderful toppings. He convinced me to try the Muscovado sugar, explaining its the way sugar should be made and I have to agree! The sugar was raw and subtle, and gave just enough sweetness to my waffle without overpowering it. Thank you Mark!

The fall fashion preview, presented by Neiman Marcus of Fashion Valley, immediately followed and made me all the more anxious for cooler weather. Each collection was meticulously styled by Alex Yanez of Neiman Marcus, and featured selections from “The List for Her” of their Fall 2013 Trends. Although my heart adored the “Rocker Chic” collection, I really fell in love with everything from “Red, The New Neutral”. I’m definitely breaking out my biker jacket and pairing it with something fabulous in red, just to bring the two together in the way Alex did. Two of the most beautiful pieces of the collections (in my humble opinion) was the Alexander McQueen printed clutch from the “Red” collection, and the black dress from the “Lace Noir” collection. But I’ll let the fashions speak for themselves in the pictures below. There are quite a few photos to get through, but I’m sure you will agree that it’s all well worth it.

After the fashion preview, we all did as bloggers do: take pictures galore! It was so much fun, and I want to thank The US Grant Hotel, Neiman Marcus Fashion Valley and J Public Relations for a lovely event. Hope you had a great weekend!

The Grant Grill and the lobby of The US Grant Hotel, so elegant!

Have camera, will blog!

Paulina already doing her blogger duties!

Tuyaymya, Alessandra and Jess

Mark of The US Grant, Vanessa and Jennifer

The waffle bar. I couldn’t believe all of the toppings that were available!

This morning cocktail was quite delicious and refreshing!

Although I had some basics, I must bring special attention to my waffle creations. Waffle 1: Hershey & Kit Kat waffle with whipped Nutella. Waffle 2: Cinnamon, Pineapple & coconut waffle with citrus marscapone cream, topped with Muscovado sugar. Oh myyyyyy!

I would like everything on this table please!

Alex and the beautiful models.

Jade, Paulina, Jess, Alessandra and Tuyaymya

Lindsay & Kristen of J Public Relations, Tanya, Sara, and Bianca

With Jess and Alessandra

With Tuyaymya and Jennifer

My outfit for the brunch: Bar III dress; Mango jacket; White House/Black Market shoes; The Classic Cambridge Satchel in patented navy leather; Charming Charlie rhinestone bow necklace; Suki Bijoux rings; iSee glasses from GlassesUSA (photo taken by Jennifer)

We received lovely gifts at the end of the day. Gift 1: The Centennial Manhattan Cupcake, made exclusively for The US Grant by Yummy Cupcakes San Diego. SO. GOOD!

Gift 2: A gift certificate for The Grant Grill. I’m taking my hubby!

Gift 3: A tote filled with goodies from Neiman Marcus.

Hooray for #SDStyleBloggers: Alessandra of Alessandra Gonzalez; Laura Martella, author of Gentlemen Norman: How To Be A Man; Jess of A Glam Diary; Tanya of La Bella Tanchi; Jade of These Days; Jea of Dainty Jea; Sara of Sara’s Sweet Style; Paulina of Lil Bits of Chic; Amber of Face It Catalog; Your’s Truly; Vanessa of Fashion Mixtape; Bianca of The In-Between Girls; Gretchen and Britt of Nubry; Tuyaymya of White Tee Black Dress; Jennifer of Malcriada

San Diego Style Bloggers at Old Navy

This past Monday, I attended a “Blogger Night” event at Old Navy in the Fashion Valley Mall through San Diego Style Bloggers. I’m always happy to attend these fun and fashionable events because I get to see my favorite SD Style Bloggers, in addition to meeting new blogger friends! It was a great evening of styling ourselves, as well as customers who shopped that night. I didn’t get a chance to style anyone myself, but I did watch my fellow bloggers put together some great outfits. It was lovely to see Jess, Tuyaymya, and Alessandra again, in addition to meeting other San Diego Style Bloggers for the first time. Below are some pictures of the event, plus a list of all the bloggers in attendance. Hope you have a great weekend!

As you know from my outfit pictures, Old Navy is in heavy rotation in my wardrobe (check out posts here, here, here and here just to name a few). Above are some hopefuls for my wardrobe!

This is actually the second outfit I tried on. Adore the printed pants.

With Amanda, Jess, Tuyaymya and Alessandra. Aren’t these girls gorgeous?

Having a blast! Need I mention everyone’s fab shoes?

My final outfit choice of the night: The Plaid Madras Shirt and bright yellow 3″ Everyday Khaki Shorts. (Picture courtesy of OldNavyFashionValley’s Instagram…follow them!)

#SDStyleBloggers and the Old Navy “Sellebrities”! Thank you to store manager, Kyle, and the rest of his awesome staff for a great time!