Category Archives: Fashion Forward

Caped Crusader

Have you seen the latest issue of Net-A-Porter’s magazine called The Edit? It’s all about 60’s Chic, and number 10 on their list of 12 modern throwback’s is also one of my favorites: The Cape. I own around seven capes, and I just can’t seem to get enough! I love how versatile they are, and they bring an unexpected chicness to any outfit. My most recent sweater cape was purchased from the Etsy shop of the lovely Bella of The Citizen Rosebud. I’m currently putting together an outfit to feature the cute little number. In the meantime, in honor of Comic Con and the many superheroes that will be flocking here to San Diego this week, below are some past outfits where I’ve donned the timeless classic.

March 27, 2013

January 23, 2013

November 16, 2011

May 27, 2011

(Top image courtesy of the Net-A-Porter website.)

We Got The Beat…Blogger Party!

Last Friday, I was invited to attend a wonderful little blogger soiree at The Beat Clothing in Carlsbad. I saw the store when I attended the Carlsbad Village Faire back in May (original post here), but we didn’t get to venture inside. I remember telling my husband that we should go back up to Carlsbad to go shopping and dine, so I was very excited to receive the invite. Since I was coming from work, I was the first one to arrive, which gave me the chance to snap a few pictures around the store and to get the know Diana, the owner, and a couple of the staff who stayed through the party, Kelly and Ali. Blues & Shoes, Ragz Dressware and The Beat Clothing are all sister stores, and all located in Carlsbad.

If there could be a store that would define who I was, it would be The Beat Clothing. The store is infused with rocker chic, along with all things musical. Diana’s husband was in the music industry, and really had a hand in the design of this store. Everywhere you look, there is some kind of musical instrument embedded among the cool, stylish, and trendy clothing. From the rock t-shirts on the walls to the album covers in the dressing rooms, everything just calls to me. I would wear everything in this store to the office, to the mall and definitely to a concert.

These album covers adorned the dressing rooms. I actually own a few of those!

Photo 1: Ali showing us how to wear leg jewelry. She looks fantastic! Photo 2: Love how each table has some kind of musical instrument.

Too many cool things to choose from. Check out that Union Jack leather cuff…want!

Kelly, who set up the blogger party, painted the Rolling Stones picture on the left and the microphone on the right. They look even more amazing in person!

Once I finished marveling at everything, my fellow bloggers started to trickle in. First to arrive was the gorgeous Pat of PATFLOR, followed by lovely Laura of Laura Neuzeth. Then the beautiful Alessandra of Alessandra Gonzalez arrived with her friend Melody, and a new blogger friend, Amber of Face It Catalog was the last to arrive (Bianca of The In-Between Girls couldn’t make it). As bloggers, you know we love to take pictures, and not only did we take pictures of the store and The Beat girls, but of each other doing our blogger things. Silliness ensued, which was expected when you get a fun bunch of gals together! I want to thank The Beat Clothing for inviting me to such an awesome event. Rest assured that I will be back to do some shopping!

Pat, working her blogger magic with Laura.

Photo 1: Pink champagne is always welcome! Photo 2: Bloggers in the round.

Photo 1: Melody, Alessandra and Laura checking out the cute shoes. Photo 2: Kelly, Diana and Ali from The Beat Clothing. So stylish!

The Rolling Stones or mustaches. Which would you choose?

Photo 1: My addition to the wall. Photo 2: Laura getting her tag in!

Michael Antonio has such awesome shoes. I bought the Adan wedges in grey on the very right. Outfit post to come!

SD Style Bloggers at The Beat Clothing. I’m wearing one of my favorite t-shirts: my Punk Masters John Taylor “Digital Truth” shirt. BTW: The mural behind us surrounding the door was also painted by Kelly. She’s just so talented!

Electric Lemonade: Hot Place, Cool Vintage

As part of our Las Vegas adventures last weekend, I decided to seek out vintage stores in and around town. I convinced my husband to take me to a store I discovered called Electric Lemonade, which led to the discovery of the Las Vegas Arts District (aka 18b). When I think of Vegas, I definitely think of the nightlife and shows as it relates to what’s available on The Strip. Since I’ve been married to a Las Vegas native for the last 6 years, I’ve definitely come to know Vegas as an actual town with schools and family life. Now that I’ve stumbled upon 18b, I feel I’ve discovered a cool little secret that not many people know about. More about 18b in a later post, I promise!

Although, I have to admit it was quite hot inside because their air conditioning broke, Electric Lemonade is a cool spot for vintage (I love the marshmallow/pill couch). When it’s a bit cooler, I’ll go back because while I love to try things on, it was just too hot to try everything I would have liked to. However, my husband did find a couple of cool things. Dig if you will the awesome pattern of that floral shirt. He said that he wants to wear it with my linen fedora and shorts, for a truly tropical vintage vacay look. The best story is behind that Buddy Holly shirt. Deon found it when I was trying on clothing. I heard him telling the two people working in the store about how he saw the show in London when he was in high school. He showed me the shirt, and of course I had to add it to my vintage t-shirt collection.

Below are some pictures we took while walking towards an event called “First Friday“, which looks to be like a street fair. Although we wanted to and we did try, we didn’t stay out too long because it was just way too hot. But I’ll be sure to do another blog post about the Arts District and First Friday…when it’s cooler!

A flier showing stores in a section of 18b called “Antique Alley”.

Two more very cute vintage stores: The Gypsy Den and Glam Factory Vintage.

Art is everywhere!

LV Arts District Collage 2

Love this adorable storage unit. So happy!

And The Tape Is Your Voice

I think it was love at first sight when I saw this skirt on ModCloth. It’s called the “Music In Me in Mix Tape” skirt, and I literally said, “I must have that!” I fell in love with the pattern, and the fact that is has pockets (skirts and dresses with pockets are the best things ever). I’m glad I bought it when I did because not only was it on sale, it’s now sold out. Hopefully ModCloth will bring it back somehow because it has quickly become my favorite skirt in my wardrobe, and I know so many would love this skirt. When I wore it to work, one of my co-workers said, “You definitely should have been born in a different era!” I admit I styled the skirt for this outfit to be retro, but I can also see this skirt in a more edgier outfit. But maybe he was talking about the fact that the pattern is cassette tapes, and everyone knows how much I love the 80’s.

Outfit – Burberry sweater (old); Bitten t-shirt (old); Retrolicious skirt from ModCloth (sold out); Rebecca Minkoff purse; Nine West shoes (old); Zekes Zipper Bangle from MimiBoutique (sold out); Michael Kors watch; Suki Bijoux and Wendy Brandes rings; iSee glasses from GlassesUSA; Unknown brand pan collar necklace and belt; Tambourine earrings made by my sister, Rholnna

(The title of this post is a line from the Depeche Mode song Photographic.)

(Photos by Rholnna Jiao)

In Chains

In addition to spikes and studs, I’m very partial to metallics and chains. I make sure to include plenty of hardware in my outfits, no matter how dressy or casual. My husband saw me attaching all of my accessories one morning when we were going out for a family breakfast. He just shook his head and said, “We’re just going out to eat…do you really need all of that on?” Honey, surely you know me by now, right?

Outfit – MNG by Mango Grey Shimmer Blazer and Bisou Bisou printed pants from JCPenney; Topshop peplum top (from London); Rebecca Minkoff purse; Shamballa bracelet c/o Cutey; Juicy Couture & Linea Pelle bracelets; Michael Kors watch; Suki Bijoux rings; Betesy Johnson disco ball pendant necklace (old); Honeybadger glasses by BonLook; Nine West booties

This is a picture that I posted on Instagram. Each piece (including the jacket and pants featured in this outfit post): $10!

(Outfit photos by Rholnna Jiao)

Where’s YOUR Miista?

I’ll Tumble 4 Miista! by any2ndnow on Polyvore

80s Record Party
80srecordparty.tumblr.com

VAL GREEN
miista.com

SUE ROSE/AGATE
miista.com

SHONA ROSE GOLD
miista.com

LYNN ELECTRIC BLUE
miista.com

ZOE FLUORO YELLOW
miista.com

As many of you already know by now, I’m a big fan of Miista shoes. They have a great contest called WHERE’S YOUR MIISTA, and the winner receives free shoes. You can enter as many times as you wish, just make sure you’re creative. The competition is quite stiff out there, and there are SO many great pictures! Here are my humble little additions, which prompted me to get some kind of 80’s music reference in there (yes, I had to include Depeche Mode, too). That’s right, I’d tumble, somersault, cart-wheel and backflip for Miista!

Here’s how to enter: WHERE’S YOUR MIISTA?

“To submit your entry: (1) open Instagram (2) search @miistashoes (3) follow @miistashoes (4) upload photo (5a) write awesome caption (5b) tag @miistashoes and #WHERESYOURMIISTA (6) get all your friends to like it, we could possibly be swayed by your popularity — but if you’re TOO popular we might think we need to give it to a needier, less loved follower, gotta find the sweet spot (7) wait patiently and pray every night to the patron saint of statement shoes (From Miista’s blog)”

(Contest ends May 31, 2013)

Walking In My Miistas! by any2ndnow on Polyvore

Depeche Mode Walking In My Shoes UK 2-CD single set (Double CD single)…
eil.com

UNA BURGUNDY
miista.com

Birthday Goodness

I spent my birthday a bit differently than usual. It started off with a call from my husband, who was out of town with family in Las Vegas. Then it continued with a birthday potluck and cake from my wonderful team at work, lots of Facebook birthday wishes, presents from my sister and niece, and ended with the Poshmark party at The W Hotel, where I met so many wonderful people (lots of San Diego Style Bloggers were present). Not only did I see Paulina of the blog Lil Bits of Chic and Pat and her daughter of the blog PatFlor, but I got to hang out with the beautiful Alessandra of My Fatshion Diary again (I last saw her at the Shimmer event). I also met new blogger friends: Bianca of The In Between Girls, Laura of Laura Neuzeth, and Eunice of E Glam Style. I also got to meet Heidi and Maria of Poshmark, and Poshmark user Jillian Alyson…who we’re trying to encourage to start her own blog!

I took the following day off so that I could pick up my husband from the airport and we spent a relaxing day with our son. All in all, a very easy-going birthday. The next few days will bring light festivities with my husband, son, mom and my sister’s family, ending with a dinner on Mother’s Day. In the meantime, I thought I’d post a few pictures of my day, and I want to thank Poshmark for the invite to their lovely party. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Pretty birthday flowers and colorful balloons at my desk at work

Pressies from my niece and sister

At The W Hotel for the San Diego Poshmark Party

Posh party people

My birthday drink (specially made by the bartender)

With Jillian Alyson, new friend and Poshmark user

With Laura of the blog Laura Neuzeth and Alessandra of the blog My Fatshion Diary. I love this picture (look, we’re all wearing blazers)!

(The last photo is courtesy of Poshmark, and more photos of the fun San Diego event can be found on their Facebook page)

A Posh Party With Poshmark Tonight (and It’s My Birthday)!

Not only is it my birthday today, but I’ll be celebrating in style at a Posh Party with Poshmark! One of my favorite local bloggers, Paulina of Lil’ Bits of Chic and San Diego Style Bloggers will be co-hosting the Sunshine Style Posh Party with three other lovely ladies (Jocelyn of Bossy Jocey, Vanessa of Vanessa Balli, and Kelly of Messy Dirty Hair) for a night of fashion and fun. I just joined Poshmark recently, so I’ll be sure to create my closet and then check out other fab fashionistas and their closets. You can join the party in person, or virtually on their app or online. Hope to see you there!

Sustainable Style: Modavanti.com

I was recently invited to review a great online stop that completely supports environmental and social responsibility in fashion called Modavanti. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because I carried that beautiful GUNAS purse pictured above in my most recent outfit post (here and pictured below). Up close, I would never have believed the Sweetheart purse was anything but leather. But as the description states, it’s completely vegan, and 100% cruelty-free and sweat-shop free. Like all of the items on Modavanti, everything is beautifully made, stylish and sustainable. Other than all of the fashionably fabulous items, two things stand out for me: the sustainability badges (“how and why the item they are buying is eco-friendly and ethically sourced”) and the causes they support. Modavanti donates 2% of their revenue to charity, which is quite a substantial contribution. The donation from my purchase went to Charity:Water, an organization that brings safe drinking water to developing countries (Depeche Mode are proud supporters of this charity as well).

Adam Clancy, the Director of Operations at Modavanti, took some time out to answer some questions about their site, sustainability and social responsibility, and how they are able to do what they do with style.

I am impressed with an entire online retail site who completely supports the idea of sustainable fashion. What was the inspiration behind Modavanti.com’s concept?

Modavanti: The idea for Modavanti.com was born out of our desire to make a social impact through business. The fashion industry in particular has been slow to change the way it operates. To give you one example, it takes 400 gallons of water to grow enough cotton to produce just one cotton t-shirt! We believe that by promoting designers who are producing clothes in a more socially conscious manner we can bring about real change within the fashion industry.

What is Modavanti.com’s biggest challenge being be a company who sources sustainability?

Modavanti: Our biggest challenge is also our biggest opportunity – and that is convincing consumers that they can be stylish and sustainable at the same time. There is a perception surrounding sustainable fashion that the clothes are not trendy, that they crunchy and granola. This perception is far removed from reality, and we’re convinced that once you look at the clothing and accessories available on Modavanti.com you will think about sustainable fashion in a whole new light.

You have a fantastic curated collection of clothing and accessories. How do you find designers and brands to work with? Do you seek out new designers or do you find that they come to you?

Modavanti: It’s a combination of the two. One of the hard things in finding designers is that many sustainable designers don’t like to advertise the fact they are producing sustainably because they believe it will diminish their appeal in the eyes of the customer. We believe the opposite, so it often involves a lot of legwork in tracking down designers who meet both our aesthetic and our sustainability threshold. But we’ve also had a number of designers who have sought us out since we’ve launched because they see that we have a wonderful platform which we can showcase their products.

How did you chose the charities that you donate to, and are you looking to partner with other charities?

Modavanti: Our charities were chosen because we believe they address some of the problems we’ve identified with the fashion industry. It was also very important that the causes we partner with had strong feedback loops and used the money in the field rather than to pay their employees. We picked Charity:Water because the fashion industry wastes a tremendous amount of water every year. Not only that, but apparel factories pollute many of our rivers and streams, particularly in developing countries, and Charity Water helps alleviate those problems. We support Nest because they promote fair labor rights and the ancient traditions of artisans in countries such as India. We partnered with 19th Amendment because their mission is to keep the next generation of fashion designers producing sustainably right here in America — a goal that aligns very much with our ethos.

We don’t currently have plans to expand our charities but as we grow further it is certainly something we will consider.

Thank you so much Adam for taking the time out to answer my questions! Check out Modavanti.com for more information, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

You Comfort Me

Now that our son is four, I’m looking forward to a very busy summer. We can finally hit the large resort parks without worrying about whether or not Dominic is going to have fun because we know he’s at that perfect age where he can run around and just enjoy himself. Now, I just have to think of my own comfort while chasing our crazy little boy, and these shoes by Dansko are going to be the perfect solution. I originally thought that Dansko just made professional shoes worn in the healthcare industry, but I’ve come to realize that they have an entire of line of women’s shoes including stylish clogs, flat and heeled sandals, sporty shoes and boots. I have been living in these Jovie sandals from their Vista Collection these last two weekends, so I know that they will definitely allow me to keep up with my son (and sometimes my niece) in style and comfort. I’ve been wearing them with shorts and jeans, but I found that because of the pewter color, they go great with dresses of any length.

Outfit – French Connection dress (old); Retro 7 hat from Junc Life & Style; Urban Outfitters clutch with Clutched & Covered cover; Mimi Boutique zipper bangle; Michael Kors watch; Wendy Brandes Teenie Genie necklace and @ ring; Suki Bijoux rings; iSee glasses c/o GlassesUSA; Jovie sandals c/o Dansko

Check out their full line on their official website at Dansko.com and don’t forget to like them on Facebook as well!

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.

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