Category Archives: Fashion Forward

Weekend in Pictures: Shopping in South Park

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This post is really part two of last week’s South Park Wild West Walkbout post.  In addition to the good eats, great atmosphere and even better company, CC (Pink Candles at Ridgemont High), her daughter TC, and my son Dominic allowed me to indulge in a little retail therapy while in South Park.  I mentioned all of the places in this post when I went with CC and Darlene to Eclipse Chocolate Bar & Bistro a couple of weeks ago, but I just watched longingly as CC did most of the shopping (original post here).  This time, I broke a bit of my Lenten service and bought a couple of lovely little things to satiate this aching I’ve had all month-long.  Geez, I just made shopping sound a bit sultry, didn’t I?

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South Park Shopping Collage 2

Our first stop was Bad Madge & Company, curator of lovely vintage things.  I first heard of the production company prior to the actual shop when I covered Shimmer’s VIP event earlier this year (post here).  In my previous visit, I spied the purse in the picture below (which is a close up of one of the collage pictures above).  I had hoped that it would still be there when we returned a couple of weeks ago, and not only was it still there, but it was on sale for half off!  If those boots in that picture above on the left were in my size, I would have bought those, too.  I found a fantastic wool coat for only $10.  Alas, it was just too big and would probably cost a fortune to alter, so back it went.  But Dominic found a little treasure box of plastic figurines and picked a little pilot to bring home.

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Next we sauntered over to Make Good where we spotted some very cool jewelry pieces made from bicycle parts and notebooks made from 33 LP record sleeves.  Because my camera had a bit of a hiccup, not pictured were some equally awesome bookmarks also made from record sleeves.  CC is going back to purchase ones that were made from the Synchronicity album by The Police.  I thought about a DIY using some album covers, I just don’t have the heart to do it on any of my album covers.  I think I would pass out first!

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My last purchase of the evening was made at Junc Life & Style, which was that awesome little Retro 7 studded fedora pictured below.  Oh, that hat is going to get much wear in the next few months (I’ve already worn it in an outfit in my next post).  I literally drooled over it the last time we were in there and hoped and prayed it would be available.  CC made sure to bring it to my attention that it was still there.  When I turned to see it, I made a beeline for it and made sure I snapped that baby up!  What’s not to love?  The combination of mixed media materials like straw and cloth make it wearable all year, and the studs have my style written all over it, but so does the store itself.  I wish I had known about this store before because I would definitely have bought Dominic that Johnny Cash onesie.

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South Park Shopping Collage 4

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Next on our retail rendezvous was Graffitti Beach.  I absolutely loved the all of the visuals in the store.  The crochet-covered bike, faucets with glass droplet wall fixtures, cassette and album photos on canvas, the faux deejay set end table and old school camera and joy stick made my head literally dizzy from uber-coolness.  I think I looked more at the fantastic wall art, furniture and jewelry (some were made from drum cymbals, in one of the pictures below) more than I did the actual clothing.  That begs a return trip at the very least, doesn’t it?  I remember some t-shirts and ties that looked like circuit boards, and that reminded me that I need to take my hubby back out there because we do have to go back to Graffiti Beach, as well as Crow Thief (handcrafted menswear).

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Our final stop was at The Grove at Juniper & 30th, which is directly next door to The Daily Scoop.  Call it laziness, but I think it was because evening had fallen and we were full of delicious ice cream that I didn’t get a chance to snap any pictures while we were outside or inside The Grove.  But it’s a wonderful hodge-podge of arts, crafts, books, clothing and accessories.  As you know, I’m still obsessed about bird print items, and I found a rack full it.  I finally bought a bag from The Cambridge Satchel Company recently from Bloomingdale’s in patent leather navy (which is now sold out), so I’m already looking at things to go with it.  That list includes a cute little navy bird print shirt from The Grove, so I think that definitely solidifies the fact that I will be making a trip back.  Oh South Park, you have bewitched me with your retail goodness!

Most Def

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Does anyone remember the shoe brand British Knights?  I had a couple of pairs once upon a time, and I adored them (they had the word “British” in them…enough said).  My high top BK’s were blue, black and white.  My low tops were my favorite because they were white all over, but the middle was a quilted black, purple and gold printed material with the initials BK embroidered in purple (very similar to the ones pictured above).  I know it sounds hard to believe, which is why I included a scan of an old picture from back in the day, posing in my BK high tops.  Dig if you will the leggings with the lace on the bottom, not to mention the gigantic hair bow and equally large hoop earings.  I can also guarantee, the shoulder pads on that leather jacket would rival any football linebacker (shout out to Eileen for taking the picture). Very very late 80’s/early 90’s, no?

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British Knight Def Shop

British Knights Roco Sneakers

I was recently introduced to an online European Hip Hop clothing website called Def-Shop.com out of Germany, and imagine my delight when I found British Knights!  They have a whole line of the BK brand for both men and women, and I instantly gravitated towards that fantastic pair pictured above.  The back can be flipped up so that the the shoes appear all black, but I really like them folded down.  I got so excited when I found them that I called my husband into the room to look at the computer, at which time I realized that I hadn’t showed him that old picture of me.  He just gave me a funny look and went back to his movie.  I guess re-discovering my old favorite brand of sneaks wasn’t as exciting to him as it was to me!

The link in the above paragraph goes directly to the German version of the site, but if you click on the picture below, you will see the English version.  Keep in mind that the prices are in Euros and all items ship from Berlin, Germany.  I’ll be checking out more of from their site, and don’t be surprised if you see an outfit post from me rockin’ those bad boys above.  Happy shopping!

Def Shop Top Image

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

(Top photo courtesy of uncrate.com; photos 3 and 4 courtesy of Def-Shop)

Pictures From The "Bella Donna: A Makeover to Remember" Event

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I attended the “Bella Donna: A Makeover to Remember” on Tuesday at The Art Institute of California – San Diego (previous post here).  I met Tashina, who originally contacted me, and her colleagues who put the beauty event together.  Students and friends treated attendees to wonderful makeovers.  In addition to getting pampered like a princess, there was snacks, beverages and fantastic raffle prizes, with all proceeds to benefit one of my new favorite charities, The Princess Project.  It was a fun night and I want to thank Tashina for informing me about the event!

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Tashina (at the far right) and her colleagues at The Art Institute of California – San Diego

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Awesome raffle prizes

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Hair and make up in full effect

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Many ways to get your nails did and done

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Adorable mini-cupcakes by Queen of Cakes and Cafe

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The Princess Project

The 5th Annual Princess Project Runway Event 3/14/2013

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Yesterday, I met Jenna and Vicky, two lovely ladies from The Princess Project’s San Diego team at the “Bella Donna: A Makeover to Remember” event.  They told me about a spectatular soiree happening next Thursday at the Hotel Palomar’s SummerSalt Rooftop Pool & Lounge.  It’s their 5th Annual Princess Project Runway Event and will feature future fashion stars from FIDM competing in a live prom dress draping competition.  Enjoy a fabulous affair that benefits a fashionable and worthy cause on March 14 in beautiful Downtown San Diego.  Cheers!

The Princess Project promotes self-confidence and individual beauty by providing free prom dresses and accessories to high school girls who cannot otherwise afford them.”

Special Discount at eShakti for Any Second Now Readers!

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What better way to begin your weekend than with a discount!  Use the code ANY2NDNOW and get 20% off your purchase at eShakti until 3/10/2013.  Just remember to enter the code in the ‘Promotional Code’ box. There is no minimum purchase and the discount code is not case sensitive.  Thank you eShakti and happy shopping!

Edited to add (3/4/2013): The code is now working and will be honored until 3/20/2013!

(The code can be used multiple times until 3/10/2013 and can be used with any other gift coupon or gift card in the same order.  This discount code cannot be used on eShakti’s Overstock category and is not applicable on previous purchases.  Please let me know if the promo code does not work and I will make sure to get it fixed.  Email me at sighgee at yahoo dot com.)

A Special Charity Event by The Art Institute of California-San Diego: "Bella Donna: A Makeover to Remember" on March 5, 2013

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On Tuesday March 5, 2013 from 4pm to 7pm, students from The Art Institute of California-San Diego will be hosting a very special event called “Bella Donna: A Makeover to Remember”.  Pamper yourself for an evening, all while helping out a great cause!

During the event we will be offering participants a day of pampering where all attendees will be greeted with beverage and light snacks, and will be getting their hair, nails, and make up done ending with a  fun photo booth inspired shoot. Throughout the event, guests can relax and enjoy the lounge-type atmosphere awaiting their turns to actually sit down and have a one on one session at each station. Tips, tutorials and trials are all just part of the fun that “Bella Donna” will bring to attendees.  Also, the event will be organizing a raffle with great prizes to raise money for a charity; “The Princess Project”.

The charity of choice “The Princess Project” is a charity that promotes self-confidence and individual beauty by providing free prom dresses and accessories to high schools girls who can’t afford them.  Most of their effort has been done though sponsors, volunteers, and support of others. So far The Princess Project has helped over 20,000 teens throughout the states with the help of over 2,000 volunteers. For the event everyone is welcomed to participate in the raffle of fun gifts and prizes. All of the proceeds will be donated to: “The Princess Project”.

Topshop Goes West!

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Yes, it’s true: Topshop has now hit California at The Grove in Los Angeles!  The official opening was yesterday, and I just couldn’t get away to check out the festivities.  But rest assured that I will make the trek out there one of these weekends to go on a little shopping spree…but only after Lent.  I gave up my favorite sport for Lent before realizing what that meant, and now I will have to wait until after Easter to enjoy the spoils of shopping at Topshop.  Those of you who are in the area or who are able to make the trip, enjoy and have a great weekend!

(Photo was taken by me at the New York location)

Sheer Luxury With a Purpose: Frangi Pangi Hosiery

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When I first started to wear dresses, I always wore sheer pantyhose because my mom used to wear them all the time.  This led to my love of tights, and I’ve really only worn either tights or have gone bare-legged when wearing something for day or if the outfit didn’t call for it.  Recently, I’ve thought about wearing pantyhose again because I find that I need to wear something with more support.  There are really only two things that hold me back from donning sheer pantyhose: color and wear.  I feel like I can’t quite find the right color for my skin tone, and I have this very bad habit of ruining a new pair of pantyhose within the first wearing by snagging them on something, creating a huge run.

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I have come to realize that sometimes you have to spend a little to get the quality you want, so I did move to the higher denier tights to get that opaqueness that I wanted, which meant moving to a higher price point.  Of course, the same applies to sheer pantyhose because you literally get what you pay for: if you pay $2 for a pair, then it is inevitable that they will most likely run after the first wear because of the lower denier.  So after I was contacted by Frangi Pangi to try out a couple of pairs of their pantyhose, I wasn’t sure what to expect, being that it’s been several years since I’ve worn them.  After putting them on, I was pleasantly surprised with the not only the quality, but the color.  Their hosiery is guaranteed to wear at least 4 times without a run or your money back, and so far so good after my first wear!  Because these they are “Designed for women of colour by a woman of colour”, I felt confident in finding a shade that is near an exact match to my skin tone.  For my sheer pair, I chose the color Fava and I was not disappointed.  The color was perfect, and they felt very luxurious like silk.  They are sheer to the toe so I felt just fine wearing them with open-toe pumps.  I also received a sheer black pair, and they looked and felt just as amazing as the skin tone pair, great for the day as well as evenings out.  Both pairs of pantyhose also have a very comfortable control top, so I also have the support that I was looking for.  Their website offers a wonderful “Buying Guide” section which will show you all of their colors, sizes (A to 2x), and how to best care for your pair of Frangi Pangi pantyhose.

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Frangi Pangi founder and Chief Executive, Jocelyn Maminta, spent  years developing the concept for this line of luxury pantyhose in such a wide range of colours that there is truly a shade for every woman. As a woman of colour herself, Jocelyn saw the need for a greater selection  than she was able to find as a consumer. In her words, “There is no need to settle for less anymore.”

What impressed me the most about Frangi Pangi is that they support Caroline’s Room, whose mission is “to ease the trauma of families with children in neonatal intensive care”.  Not only is Jocelyn Maminta the founder and CEO of Frangi Pangi, but she is also a broadcast journalist at News 8 WTNH and the co-founder of Caroline’s Room.  Profits from Frangi Pangi goes to support the funding of Caroline’s Room.  It’s always nice to lend support to a company that not only cares about women and their quest for style by offering a wider range of colors and sizes in their hosiery, but gives back to their community and Frangi Pangi is just such a company.

Outfit 1 – Blazer c/o The Limited; Forever 21 dress (old); Kenneth Cole purse (old); Michael Kors pumps; Honeybadger glasses by Bon Look; Origami Owl necklace; Fava ultra-sheer pantyhose c/o Frangi Pangi

Outfit 2 – Costa Blanca cape c/o High Gloss Fashion (I won it from their December 2012 Facebook contest); Forever 21 purse (old); Alice Temperley for Target dress; Poetic License shoes; La Marquise glasses by Bon Look; Park Avenue lipstick by Radiant; Black ultra-sheer pantyhose c/o Frangi Pangi

Photos 1 & 2 by Rholnna Jiao; Photo 3 by Deon Chen

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.

Weekend in Pictures: I Heart Shimmer!

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On Saturday, I attended a the VIP Fashion Event at Shimmer, a local retail clothing store in Westfield’s Plaza Bonita Mall (they also have a location at the Chula Vista Center).    I found out about the event through the San Diego Style Bloggers blog and quickly put in my RSVP to attend the event.  I think it’s important to attend these types of events as bloggers to get to know the local fashion community and also to connect with other bloggers.  Not only did I get to reconnect with bloggers Tuyaymya of White Tee Black Dress and Erika of Within The Sun, but I also got to meet the beautiful Alessandra of Fatshion Diary.  We are all pictured below with Judy Figueroa from Shimmer (except for Erika, who I didn’t see until later that evening).

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Silliness in the VIP blogger area with Alessandra and Tuyaymya! (Photo courtesy of Fatshion Diary; check out her awesome post about this event here!)

It was a lovely fashion soiree with a free mini-salon area equipped to handle hair, make-up and nails.  We were also treated to tasty snacks (that I unfortunately couldn’t partake in due to being in the midst of Whole30), and a blogger VIP area with awesome little gifts from Shimmer along with cute SWAG bags we received upon entering the event area.  The evening began with a hair and make-up demo by Bellus Academy, which was followed by a fantastic fashion show.

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The outfits were broken up into three categories:  Lady Gaga meets military, Chanel inspired and Valentine’s Day outfit ideas.  I did shop a bit prior to watching the event, and I saw two jackets that I tried on make it to the runway (one I purchased).  But what I enjoyed most about the fashion show was that it showcased models of all shapes, sizes and ages.  When I spoke to Judy from Shimmer, she said that they wanted to make sure that they appeal to everyone, and I truly felt it during the fashion show.  Being a 40+ style blogger, it was very important to me to see a model up there who was in my age range, and she ROCKED it.  I swear I gushed each time she hit the catwalk!

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I bought this oxblood blazer by Ark & Co

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I tried this on, but it was quite long on me.  I’m not as tall as this gorgeous model (jacket also by Ark & Co).

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I cheered every time she hit the runway!

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A bevy of beauties.

I would like to thank San Diego Fashion Bloggers for providing details to this event on their blog, and I would also like to thank Judy and all at Shimmer, Bad Madge Productions and Vanity Girl Hollywood (who provided the awesome mirrors in the hair & make-up section) for making this event so much fun and memorable.  I would also like to thank my hubby, for taking me to the event and even posing in a photo with me, even though he said that he wasn’t “photo ready” due his casual outfit.  I love you honey!

(Get 20% off + free shipping on Shimmer’s online shop, iheartshimmer.com by using the code FASHION20!)

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Mint Condition

Mint Condition
If you follow me on Pinterest, you’ll see that I’m very taken by the color mint. It’s so fresh and perfect for spring. I was inspired by the very cute shoes from ModCloth and Miista, then took to Polyvore to create a casual set and a dressy set. I envision wearing either style with a pair of black skinny jeans so that the mint just pops (click the picture above, or the links below for all the buying information).  I know it will seem like an unusal musical departure, but in the 90’s, I was very much into Hip Hop and R&B. I thought it was appropriate, given the title of this post, to include “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)” by Mint Condition (click the picture below for the video). Enjoy!

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 (Photo courtesy of Last.fm)

H m jacket
$48 – hm.com

Faux-fer flats
modcloth.com

Val Tex by Miista
solestruck.com

Envelope clutch
threadsence.com

Essie Mint Candy Apple
$16 – liberty.co.uk

Forever New Karmen biker
$105 – forevernew.com.au